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Lords third reading. Bill passed.
Lords third reading. Bill passed.
Lords motion that the order of commitment be discharged. Agreed to on question.
Lords motion that the order of commitment be discharged. Agreed to on question.
My Lords, I understand that the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme plays a significant role in the transition the Minister has spoken about. Can he tell us a bit more about the role that that very well-respected awards scheme plays?
My Lords, I understand that the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme plays a significant role in the transition the Minister has spoken about. Can he tell us a bit more about the role that that very well-respected awards scheme plays?
As someone who did a little bit of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme many years ago, and not very well, I would say that it is great to see it working well in prisons. It has been going for some time in the youth estate, but it never followed through into the adult estate. However, since 2020 it has expanded to the estate for those under 25 and is now operating in 38 adult establishments. It improves young people’s confidence and teamwork and their relationships with fellow prisoners and the adults who take them on. The volunteers who work on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award are fantastic. If noble Lords go to Wetherby, they may well see young offenders working at local food banks, litter picking and at the Boston Spa church, all under the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.
Lords second reading. Agreed to on question. Bill committed to a Committee of the Whole House.
Lords second reading. Agreed to on question. Bill committed to a Committee of the Whole House.
My Lords, I thank my noble friend the Minister for her reply; I know how passionately she feels about this issue. Is she aware that only a ridiculously small number of industrial and commercial premises are fitted with solar panels? There has been just too little urgency for many years to change that outrageous state of affairs. I live near what is called the largest logistics park in Europe and have been informed that there are no solar panels on any of the vast number of buildings that make up the park. Can the Government ensure that this national scandal is treated as a matter of urgency?
My Lords, I thank my noble friend the Minister for her reply; I know how passionately she feels about this issue. Is she aware that only a ridiculously small number of industrial and commercial premises are fitted with solar panels? There has been just too little urgency for many years to change that outrageous state of affairs. I live near what is called the largest logistics park in Europe and have been informed that there are no solar panels on any of the vast number of buildings that make up the park. Can the Government ensure that this national scandal is treated as a matter of urgency?
I thank my noble friend for his comments. Of course, it is vital that we get on now and get this moving as quickly as possible. The future buildings standards consultation outlined a number of proposals for new non-domestic buildings and we need to expand that to existing non-domestic buildings. We are ambitious and believe that the standards we set are technically achievable and affordable across all sites. We are working very closely with colleagues in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to confirm the technical detail of these standards. As soon as we can, we will make sure that we do what is necessary to get this out to as many non-domestic buildings as possible. Your Lordships have my personal commitment to that, as the noble Lord kindly said.
To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they intend to take to ensure that all new-build commercial and industrial premises in England are fitted with solar panels.
To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they intend to take to ensure that all new-build commercial and industrial premises in England are fitted with solar panels.
My Lords, the Future Homes and
Building Standards consultation, setting out proposals for new energy efficiency standards, was published at the end of 2023. It included proposals for fitting new, non-domestic premises with solar panels. The consultation received over 2,000 responses. We have carefully considered the feedback received and, while I do not want to pre-judge our detailed policy announcement, I can say that this Government recognise the vital role of rooftop solar in contributing to the clean energy mission and that we are therefore keen to see solar panels deployed on all buildings where it is appropriate and practical. We intend to publish the government response in the coming months.
To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase the amount of legal aid available for early advice in the areas of (1) social welfare, and (2) family, law.
To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase the amount of legal aid available for early advice in the areas of (1) social welfare, and (2) family, law.
My Lords, legal aid is a vital part of the justice system. It underpins our plans to build a justice system that works for victims, supports access to justice and ultimately upholds the rule of law. The previous Government left the legal system facing significant challenges. This Government are committed to ensuring an effective, efficient and sustainable legal aid system, and we have already begun to stabilise the sector and explore ways in which we can rebuild our justice system.
My Lords, I thank my noble friend the Minister for his reply. I know that he, like me, believes that the virtual decimation of early legal advice as a direct consequence of the LASPO Act remains an affront to access to justice. Is he aware that every report published on this issue strongly agrees that early legal advice saves the state money by avoiding court and time spent? Of course, we know how sparse resources are, but does he not agree that common sense dictates that restoring early legal advice urgently by an increase in legal aid is a necessary, humane and financially sensible thing to do?
My Lords, I thank my noble friend the Minister for his reply. I know that he, like me, believes that the virtual decimation of early legal advice as a direct consequence of the LASPO Act remains an affront to access to justice. Is he aware that every report published on this issue strongly agrees that early legal advice saves the state money by avoiding court and time spent? Of course, we know how sparse resources are, but does he not agree that common sense dictates that restoring early legal advice urgently by an increase in legal aid is a necessary, humane and financially sensible thing to do?
I thank my noble friend for that question, and I agree with the sentiment behind it. The Government are committed to ensuring there is an effective, efficient and sustainable legal aid system and are working toward that end. Our response to the Crime Lower consultation was published on 14 November and confirmed that we will be uplifting the lowest police station fees, introducing a new youth court fee scheme and paying for travel time in certain circumstances. Together, these changes will provide a £24 million boost for criminal aid providers.
To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to making the installation of solar panels on newly constructed warehouses mandatory.
To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to making the installation of solar panels on newly constructed warehouses mandatory.
Future standards will set our new homes and buildings on a path that moves away from relying on volatile fossil fuels and towards more secure, clean energy. The Government will therefore take the opportunity, where appropriate, to encourage the fitting of solar panels on new homes and buildings. Changes to permitted development rights rules will mean more businesses will be able to install solar panels on their roofs without going through the planning system. The Government is providing fiscal incentives to encourage businesses to install rooftop solar, through tax relief and business rate exemptions for installing and generating solar power.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of how many warehouses (1) do, and (2) do not, have solar panels installed, broken down by county.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of how many warehouses (1) do, and (2) do not, have solar panels installed, broken down by county.
Solar power is at the heart of our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower. Whilst solar panels on warehouses form a critical part of this mission, the Department does not hold this information.
To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to making the installation of solar panels on warehouses constructed within the last 30 years mandatory before 31 December 2030.
To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to making the installation of solar panels on warehouses constructed within the last 30 years mandatory before 31 December 2030.
Future standards will set our new homes and buildings on a path that moves away from relying on volatile fossil fuels and towards more secure, clean energy. The Government will therefore take the opportunity, where appropriate, to encourage the fitting of solar panels on new homes and buildings. Changes to permitted development rights rules will mean more businesses will be able to install solar panels on their roofs without going through the planning system. The Government is providing fiscal incentives to encourage businesses to install rooftop solar, through tax relief and business rate exemptions for installing and generating solar power.
To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to reforming the planning system to examine the installation of solar panels on newly constructed industrial premises.
To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to reforming the planning system to examine the installation of solar panels on newly constructed industrial premises.
As part of our plans to triple solar capacity we are consulting on extra measures in the National Planning Policy Framework that highlight the importance of solar power to our clean energy ambitions.
Separately, future standards next year will set our new homes and buildings on a path that moves away from relying on volatile fossil fuels and ensures they are fit for a net zero future.
My Lords, is the Minister aware that, at the end of his response to the noble Lord, Lord Lexden, he seemed to throw out just a little bit of encouraging information. I welcome that, and hope that the Minister goes back, recognising the very widespread feeling around this House that justice has not been done to the reputation of a Prime Minister who has been unfairly treated, right up to this time. It is important that justice is done soon, rather than the issue hanging on for year after year of non-action.
My Lords, is the Minister aware that, at the end of his response to the noble Lord, Lord Lexden, he seemed to throw out just a little bit of encouraging information. I welcome that, and hope that the Minister goes back, recognising the very widespread feeling around this House that justice has not been done to the reputation of a Prime Minister who has been unfairly treated, right up to this time. It is important that justice is done soon, rather than the issue hanging on for year after year of non-action.
I can only repeat that I have said that I shall ask officials to look into the possibility or viability of this—I cannot possibly prejudge what they may come back to me with, but I shall come back to the House in due course.
To ask His Majesty's Government what is the total cost by force area of the severance payments paid to chief executives of offices of police and crime commissioners in each of the financial years 2021/22, 2022/23, and 2023/24 to date.
To ask His Majesty's Government what is the total cost by force area of the severance payments paid to chief executives of offices of police and crime commissioners in each of the financial years 2021/22, 2022/23, and 2023/24 to date.
The Home Office does not collect data regarding the senior appointments made by Police and Crime Commissioners or any severance payments made.
Senior appointments, their salaries and any payments are a matter for individual Police and Crime Commissioners. As the locally elected representative for policing, they are ultimately responsible for appointing their chief executive, balancing their budget and making decisions about the size and composition of their offices.
PCCs are required by the Elected Local Policing Bodies (Specified Information) (Amendment) Order 2021 to publish information relating to the composition of their office; the salaries of their senior staff; and financial information, including planned expenditure of the office of the police and crime commissioner, and audited accounts.
To ask His Majesty's Government, of the Police and Crime Commissioners elected in May 2021, how many have appointed new chief executives of their offices since their election; of those, which have subsequently appointed further chief executives, including interim chief executives, and on how many occasions.
To ask His Majesty's Government, of the Police and Crime Commissioners elected in May 2021, how many have appointed new chief executives of their offices since their election; of those, which have subsequently appointed further chief executives, including interim chief executives, and on how many occasions.
The Home Office does not collect data regarding the senior appointments made by Police and Crime Commissioners or any severance payments made.
Senior appointments, their salaries and any payments are a matter for individual Police and Crime Commissioners. As the locally elected representative for policing, they are ultimately responsible for appointing their chief executive, balancing their budget and making decisions about the size and composition of their offices.
PCCs are required by the Elected Local Policing Bodies (Specified Information) (Amendment) Order 2021 to publish information relating to the composition of their office; the salaries of their senior staff; and financial information, including planned expenditure of the office of the police and crime commissioner, and audited accounts.
My Lords, why do we have to wait for the Criminal Justice Bill before the statutory instruments can be produced in this particular case? Could we not move to a statutory instrument straightaway so that this long delay, which seems to be all-pervasive here, can at least be shortened to an extent?
My Lords, why do we have to wait for the Criminal Justice Bill before the statutory instruments can be produced in this particular case? Could we not move to a statutory instrument straightaway so that this long delay, which seems to be all-pervasive here, can at least be shortened to an extent?
I would very much like to see it shortened. I do not know the answer to that but I will come back.
To ask His Majesty’s Government what plans they have to reform the system of children’s care homes.
To ask His Majesty’s Government what plans they have to reform the system of children’s care homes.
My Lords, we want all looked-after children to live in stable, loving homes where they are safe and cared for. We are taking forward the commitments already made to improve the quality and consistency of safeguards across residential settings through new standards of care; to develop a new financial oversight regime for the market; to increase provision; and to take steps to ensure a stable and skilled children’s home workforce.
My Lords, I thank the Minister for her Answer. What is obvious, I am afraid, is how desperately unambitious the Government have been in reforming a broken system. In spite of the commitment of all who work in this area, it is a system that adversely affects the life chances of the most vulnerable children in our society. Is the Minister aware, as reported in the Observer on 8 October, that the 20 largest private operators of children’s homes, 10 of which
have private equity or sovereign fund ownership, made a £300 million profit—I repeat: £300 million—last year, at the same time as local authority spending was being squeezed? Does the Minister agree that this is just plain wrong? What urgent steps will the Government take to stop so obvious an outrage happening again this year?
My Lords, I thank the Minister for her Answer. What is obvious, I am afraid, is how desperately unambitious the Government have been in reforming a broken system. In spite of the commitment of all who work in this area, it is a system that adversely affects the life chances of the most vulnerable children in our society. Is the Minister aware, as reported in the Observer on 8 October, that the 20 largest private operators of children’s homes, 10 of which
have private equity or sovereign fund ownership, made a £300 million profit—I repeat: £300 million—last year, at the same time as local authority spending was being squeezed? Does the Minister agree that this is just plain wrong? What urgent steps will the Government take to stop so obvious an outrage happening again this year?
I do not accept the noble Lord’s assertion that the Government’s plans are unambitious, but I do recognise some of the concerns he raises about profiteering, which, as he knows, we would distinguish from being profitable. We are particularly concerned about those larger providers which have complex and sometimes very opaque ownership structures. That is why we want to bring much greater transparency to the market.
My Lords, is the Minister aware that many of us from all parts of this House believe it is vital that there is an independent review of the shockingly unresolved allegations against Sir Edward Heath? Is he further aware that one of the reasons for a review is that it is hard to feel complete confidence in the 2017 official review, including a senior investigating officer from Operation Hydrant, since Veale’s decisions were examined by police officers who perhaps lacked sufficient independence from him?
My Lords, is the Minister aware that many of us from all parts of this House believe it is vital that there is an independent review of the shockingly unresolved allegations against Sir Edward Heath? Is he further aware that one of the reasons for a review is that it is hard to feel complete confidence in the 2017 official review, including a senior investigating officer from Operation Hydrant, since Veale’s decisions were examined by police officers who perhaps lacked sufficient independence from him?
I say to the noble Lord that I am of course aware of this. There were three main forms of scrutiny during the investigation. There was an independent scrutiny panel to ensure proportionality; the role of the panel members was to check and test the decision-making and approach in the investigation. At the end of the investigation the panel issued a statement. The noble Lord referred to Operation Hydrant. In September 2016 and May 2017, there were two reviews which concluded that the investigation was proportionate, legitimate and in accordance with national guidance. Finally, there was a review in January 2017 by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, as it then was, of whether the resources assigned to the investigation by the Home Office were being deployed in accordance with value for money principles. The review concluded that they were.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the cost of homecare medicines delivery to the NHS in each of the past five years.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the cost of homecare medicines delivery to the NHS in each of the past five years.
No assessment has been made. The National Clinical Homecare Association collates data and estimates approximately 500,000 patients are in receipt of a homecare medicines service with an estimated annual value of £3.2 billion. However, these figures have not been validated by the National Health Service.