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Publisher
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, What arrangements he is proposing to write off the debt of the world's poorest countries. - Ref to 27 February 2003, 400 c383-4. (Failed OPQ).
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, What arrangements he is proposing to write off the debt of the world's poorest countries. - Ref to 27 February 2003, 400 c383-4. (Failed OPQ).
Asked by
Phil Hope
(Labour)
Answered by
John Healey
(Labour)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
24 February 2003
For answer on
27 February 2003
Answered on
27 February 2003
Phil Hope:: To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, what arrangements he is proposing to write off the debt of the world's poorest
countries. [99483]
John Healey: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer the Chancellor gave the hon. Member for Gloucester earlier today.
Subjects
Debts; Developing countries; Debts written off
Date
27 February 2003
Reference
99483; 400 c692W;400 c684W
House
House of Commons
To ask what action is being taken to improve the Statutory and Voluntary Youth Service. 1st Westminster Hall supplementary on same.
To ask what action is being taken to improve the Statutory and Voluntary Youth Service. 1st Westminster Hall supplementary on same.
Asked by
Phil Hope
(Labour)
Answered by
Ivan Lewis
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Answered on
23 January 2003
Subjects
Youth services
Date
23 January 2003
Reference
91807; 398 c149-50WH
Chamber / Committee
Westminster Hall
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, If he will make a statement on passenger rail services to Corby. (Failed OPQ)
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, If he will make a statement on passenger rail services to Corby. (Failed OPQ)
Asked by
Phil Hope
(Labour)
Answered by
David Jamieson
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
16 July 2002
For answer on
15 October 2002
Answered on
15 October 2002
Phil Hope: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make a statement on passenger rail services to Corby. [71439]
Mr. Jamieson: Under their franchise agreement Midland Mainline provide a bus shuttle service between Corby and Kettering Station to
connect with train services. Initial studies have indicated that a rail service would require considerable continuing financial
support. I understand that Catalyst Corby (the urban Regeneration Company for the area) is working towards a bid for Rail Passenger
Partnership funds from the Strategic Rail Authority.
Subjects
Railways; Railway network; Corby
Date
15 October 2002
Reference
71439; 390 c703W;390 c705W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, What assessment his Department has made of the effect the New Deal has had on youth unemployment. (Failed OPQ). (Incorrect member answering in daily part).
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, What assessment his Department has made of the effect the New Deal has had on youth unemployment. (Failed OPQ). (Incorrect member answering in daily part).
Asked by
Phil Hope
(Labour)
Answered by
Nicholas Brown
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Work and Pensions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 June 2002
For answer on
1 July 2002
Answered on
1 July 2002
Phil Hope: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment his Department has made of the effect the new deal
has had on youth unemployment. [63399]
Mr. Andrew Smith: In the years since May 1997 youth unemployment has fallen by more than 40 per cent., and long-term six month plus
youth unemployment has been cut by three quarters. These figures are the lowest levels for more than a generation.
The new deal for young people has played an important part in this success. Up to March 2002 the programme had helped over 360,000
young people off benefit and into work. Independent research has found that, without the new deal, long-term youth unemployment
would have been about twice as high.
In my hon. Friend's constituency, nearly 400 young people have moved into jobs through the new deal.
We are continually learning from and improving the new deal, for example: Piloting more flexible use of the options; Tailoring
programmes to help get young people off drugs; Piloting StepUP where we ensure there is work to go to for all long-term young
unemployed; Improving outreach work with ethnic minorities; Launching the Ambition programmes linking with employers in
construction, retail, energy and IT sectors.
Subjects
Employment schemes; Young people; Unemployment; New deal for young people
Date
1 July 2002
Reference
388 c81W; 63399
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, If he will make a statement on post-Doha world trade liberalisation.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, If he will make a statement on post-Doha world trade liberalisation.
Asked by
Phil Hope
(Labour)
Answered by
Denis MacShane
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 June 2002
For answer on
25 June 2002
Answered on
25 June 2002
Subjects
Developing countries; Import controls; Iron and steel; Poverty; Trade; Trade agreements; USA; World Trade Organization; Foreign trade
Date
25 June 2002
Reference
387 c722; 62105
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, what plans he has to provide guidance to regional planning bodies on their consideration of multi-modal studies.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, what plans he has to provide guidance to regional planning bodies on their consideration of multi-modal studies.
Asked by
Phil Hope
(Labour)
Answered by
Stephen Byers
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
23 May 2002
For answer on
24 May 2002
Answered on
24 May 2002
Phil Hope: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to provide guidance to
regional planning bodies on their consideration of multi-modal studies. [60379]
Mr. Byers: I have today written to the Chair of each Regional Planning Body in the following terms.
I am writing about two issues relating to the handling of decisions on the recommended strategies which are now being produced by
the multi-modal studies. These are the assumptions to be made about the possible future introduction of road user charging and the
timetable for the submission to Ministers of RPB advice on study recommendations.
I know that a number of multi-modal studies have been looking at the possible effects of distance based user charging on the
inter-urban road network. As we set out in the 10 Year Plan for Transport, no decision on the role of charging in reducing
congestion on the inter-urban network has been taken. As a practical matter, the hurdles involved in developing and testing the
technology necessary to implement inter-urban road charging for cars and introducing it to 26 million private cars mean that it is
extremely unlikely to be possible to introduce it before the end of this decade. This will also allow time to build experience with
the distance charging system and associated technology for lorries. And it will provide time to continue the improvements in
transport facilities and public transport for which the 10-year plan provides.
Given the practical considerations, we do not believe that a system of road user charging for cars could be introduced this decade;
accordingly the Government has no plans to do so. However, this is a subject where further work and research is needed and we will
revisit it when sufficient progress has been made in clarifying the technical and practical issues involved. In the meantime, we
note the arguments put forward by the Commission for Integrated Transport, RAC and others in favour of inter-urban charging, and
others against, and are listening to the debate.
As a consequence, the study recommendations should build in flexibility as to what should be done now given that we do not believe
that a system of road user charging for cars could be introduced this decade and that no decisions have been made about the longer
term introduction of road user charging. My Department will be re-emphasising this to the study teams.
On the second issue, we have always recognised that before the Government takes decisions on the recommendations from the
multi-modal studies it is important to have advice from Regional Planning Bodies on the way in which the recommendations fit with,
and will contribute to, the Regional Transport Strategy and Regional Planning Guidance.
However, it is also important to recognise that the studies have taken up to two years to produce their recommendations; that they
have addressed the key issues in considerable detail in close consultation with local and regional interests; and that the Regional
Planning Bodies have been represented on the study steering groups. This being the case, I believe that it is essential that we make
decisions on the study recommendations, and start to resolve the problems on the transport network, as quickly as possible.
I understand that, in the case of a number of studies, the Regional Planning Bodies are planning to take as long as six months to
consider the study recommendations and submit advice to the Government. Since the Planning Bodies will have developed a good
understanding of the key issues during the study process, I am not convinced that it is necessary to take this length of time to
produce sound advice. I should therefore be grateful if, from now on, Regional Planning Bodies could normally aim to provide advice
to Government within three months of receiving each study's recommendations. I realise that in some cases this may necessitate
re-timing meetings of the full RPB. Nevertheless, given the need to maintain momentum in delivering the 10 Year Plan for Transport,
I must ask you to do this where it is necessary to meet the three month deadline.
On the timetable I have acknowledged the particular difficulty faced by the West Midlands RPB who are currently consulting on their
regional planning guidance.
Subjects
Planning; Transport; Regional planning and development; Roads; Tolls; Urban areas
Date
24 May 2002
Reference
60379; 386 c626-7W;386 c625-6W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, What action she is taking to improve the quality of and resources for the Youth Service. (Failed OPQ). - Includes figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, What action she is taking to improve the quality of and resources for the Youth Service. (Failed OPQ). - Includes figures.
Asked by
Phil Hope
(Labour)
Answered by
Ivan Lewis
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
9 May 2002
For answer on
23 May 2002
Answered on
23 May 2002
Phil Hope: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action she is taking to improve the quality of and resources
for the Youth Service. [56359]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: Under the Government's `Transforming Youth Work' agenda we will publish later this year our view of an adequate and
sufficient' Youth Service. In the longer term this will be supported by the introduction of National Quality Standards, National
Performance Measures, a Common Planning Framework, a new National Management Training Programme, and a Workforce Development
Strategy. In addition we have provided £49 million to Youth Services over the next two years to support this agenda.
Subjects
Finance; Standards; Youth services
Date
23 May 2002
Reference
386 c454W; 56359
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, what targets he intends setting to assess the performance of the Fire Service College during 2002-03. - Inc figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, what targets he intends setting to assess the performance of the Fire Service College during 2002-03. - Inc figures.
Asked by
Phil Hope
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Whitehead
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
8 May 2002
For answer on
9 May 2002
Answered on
9 May 2002
Phil Hope: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what targets he intends setting to assess
the performance of the fire service college during 2002-03. [55627]
Dr. Whitehead: The work of the fire service college contributes directly to the Department's aim of safe communities and its
objectives of improving health and safety by reducing risks from work activity, buildings and fire. Its role is to deliver modern
vocational training to the fire service of a type and to a standard that fully meets brigades' needs. The college should operate
cost- effectively and should enthusiastically meet the diversity requirements of its customers and employees. In this context, I
have agreed the following six targets for the fire service college in 2002-03.
1. To maximise the fire service college's contribution to the Government's programme to improve health, education and transport and
reduce crime by: equipping 100 per cent. of the trainers the fire service college trains to disseminate best practice and verify
that by post-course assessment; maintaining the quality of the fire service college's education, training and service delivery as
externally assessed to the same or a better level of conformance achieved in the previous year, in every case; and ensuring that the
wider relevance to the community of fire prevention and fire safety is embedded in the fire service college curriculum to the extent
that it features in 100 per cent. of appropriate courses.
2. To accommodate 100 per cent. of bids from UK fire brigades for courses published in the fire service college prospectus.
3. To develop within a year a capability for delivering to customer satisfaction risk management training and e-learning programmes
for retained officers and for responding to any centrally determined need for decontamination training.
4. To have a series of Integrated Personal Development System compliant modules linked to five roles ready for delivery by April
2003, having obtained full stakeholder endorsement.
5. By April 2003 to further improve the agency's financial performance by: increasing surplus by at least 2 per cent. in real terms;
achieving 6.5 per cent. return on capital employed; and maintaining wider market business in support of UK fire brigade business by
contributing 20 per cent. to overall business and creating a net contribution to fixed costs of at least £1.3 million.
6. To obtain a favourable assessment in year from Quality South West for progress towards recovering Investor in People status in
2003-04 and to make progress on diversity issues by: increasing the percentage of women at middle and senior level in the fire
service college; carrying out an equalities audit of the fire service college climate, facilities and products; and equality
proofing the pay system.
Subjects
Fire and rescue services; Standards; Training; Fire Service College
Date
9 May 2002
Reference
55627; 385 c297-9W;385 c297-8W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how the Government promotes innovation in services for young people.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how the Government promotes innovation in services for young people.
Asked by
Phil Hope
(Labour)
Answered by
John Denham
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 March 2002
For answer on
1 May 2002
Answered on
1 May 2002
Phil Hope: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how the Government promotes innovation in services for young
people. [46326]
Mr. Denham: I have been asked to reply.
Promoting innovation is a key element of the Government's agenda for the modernisation of public services. Through partnerships
between the statutory, voluntary and community sectors in initiatives such as the Children's Fund, Sure Start, Early Years and
Childcare Partnerships and Quality Protects we are bringing new experience and innovative thinking to the delivery of services for
children and young people and we are committed to mainstreaming these approaches.
Central to this approach is listening to the views of young people and involving them in service design, implementation and
evaluation. The Government's core principles for the involvement of children and young people, published by the Children and Young
People's Unit, will help ensure that the contribution of young people continues to bring new thinking and innovation into services
designed to meet their needs.
Subjects
Community development; Young people
Date
1 May 2002
Reference
46326; 384 c805-6W;384 c805W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how the implementation of the Children and Young Peoples Unit Core Principles for Government will be evaluated.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how the implementation of the Children and Young Peoples Unit Core Principles for Government will be evaluated.
Asked by
Phil Hope
(Labour)
Answered by
John Denham
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 March 2002
For answer on
12 April 2002
Answered on
12 April 2002
Phil Hope: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how the implementation of the Children and Young People's Unit Core
Principles for Government will be evaluated. [46328]
Mr. Denham: I have been asked to reply.
Departments will be encouraged to develop an evaluation strategy as part of their implementation of the Core Principles over the
coming year. The Unit will monitor action across Government, including on evaluation and will publish reports on the progress made.
The Unit will be in an excellent position to identify and disseminate: (a) real innovation in how Departments consult and engage
with children and young people in the formulation and delivery of their policies, and (b) mainstreaming strategies through which
engaging children and young people becomes part of Central Government's wider work in consulting with the public.
Subjects
Children; Politics and government; Public participation; Policy; Young people; Children and Young People's Unit
Date
12 April 2002
Reference
46328; 383 c634W;383 c653W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, when he will be announcing the next stages of implementing Transforming Youth Work.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, when he will be announcing the next stages of implementing Transforming Youth Work.
Asked by
Phil Hope
(Labour)
Answered by
Ivan Lewis
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 March 2002
For answer on
10 April 2002
Answered on
10 April 2002
Phil Hope: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when he will be announcing the next stages of implementing
Transforming Youth Work. [46324]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: Implementation of the Transforming Youth Work agenda is already under way. A series of measures were outlined at the
Association of Principal Youth and Community Officer's Annual Conference in October 2001. This announcement followed the
Government's Transforming Youth Work' consultation on the future of the youth service.
Ministers will make a full and published response to the `Transforming Youth Work' consultation in July 2002.
Subjects
Young people; Youth work; Transforming Youth Work Development Fund
Date
10 April 2002
Reference
46324; 383 c135W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what assessments she has made of the role youth work plays in the personal and social development of young people identified by Ofsted as missing from the school system.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what assessments she has made of the role youth work plays in the personal and social development of young people identified by Ofsted as missing from the school system.
Asked by
Phil Hope
(Labour)
Answered by
Ivan Lewis
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 March 2002
For answer on
10 April 2002
Answered on
10 April 2002
Phil Hope: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessments she has made of the role youth work plays in the
personal and social development of young people identified by Ofsted as missing from the school system. [46329]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: The Government's long-term strategy for the Youth Service is described in the March 2001 publication `Transforming
Youth Work'. This set out the Government's view of the Youth Service in England and outlined a programme of modernisation.
Both the statutory and voluntary youth sectors will play a key role in providing support and personal development for young people.
They will continue to work with the education system to provide suitable development opportunities for school pupils.
The personal and social development provided by the youth services will be particularly important for those who are at risk or who
have lost contact with formal education.
Subjects
Schools; Young people; Youth work
Date
10 April 2002
Reference
46329; 383 c135W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how the results of the consultation of young people will be taken into cross-departmental policy making processes.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how the results of the consultation of young people will be taken into cross-departmental policy making processes.
Asked by
Phil Hope
(Labour)
Answered by
Ivan Lewis
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 March 2002
For answer on
10 April 2002
Answered on
10 April 2002
Phil Hope: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how the results of the consultation of young people will be taken
into cross-departmental policy making processes. [46327]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: We have involved young people in many of the Department's initiatives including consulting pupils on the Education
White Paper and engaging young people in the development of the Connexions Service. We are currently consulting them on our 14-19
proposals. Involving children and young people is an important part of the Department's commitment to understanding its customers
and supporting better delivery of its policies and services. We will launch an action plan at the end of May, reflecting that
commitment and the core principles on participation published by the Children and Young People's Unit in "Learning to Listen". We
are putting in place a central point of advice as a focus for raising awareness, sharing practice and promoting the benefits of
participation across the whole Department.
Subjects
Public participation; Policy; Young people; Departmental coordination; Children and Young People's Unit
Date
10 April 2002
Reference
46327; 383 c134W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, whether the Department is considering ways of extending the requirements for citizenship in the national curriculum to include the Youth Service curriculum. - Inc ref to consultation document, "14-19: extending opportunities, raising standards".
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, whether the Department is considering ways of extending the requirements for citizenship in the national curriculum to include the Youth Service curriculum. - Inc ref to consultation document, "14-19: extending opportunities, raising standards".
Asked by
Phil Hope
(Labour)
Answered by
Ivan Lewis
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 March 2002
For answer on
10 April 2002
Answered on
10 April 2002
Phil Hope: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether the Department is considering ways of extending the
requirements for citizenship in the national curriculum to include the Youth Service curriculum. [46330]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: The Youth Service does not have a specific curriculum. In its consultation document, "14-19: extending
opportunities, raising standards", the Government has proposed that all young people should participate in active citizenship, wider
interests and work-related learning. As part of its agenda for youth services in England, "Transforming Youth Work-- Developing
Youth Work for Young People", the Government aims to develop innovative youth work projects designed to enhance the engagement of
young people in local democratic processes.
Subjects
Curriculum; Citizenship; Youth services; Youth work
Date
10 April 2002
Reference
46330; 383 c135W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how the Connexions service will be evaluated.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how the Connexions service will be evaluated.
Asked by
Phil Hope
(Labour)
Answered by
Ivan Lewis
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 March 2002
For answer on
26 March 2002
Answered on
26 March 2002
Subjects
Pilot schemes; Standards; Research; Surveys; Connexions Service
Date
26 March 2002
Reference
46325; 382 c902W;382 c896W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when he will publish the inspection report of the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate in respect of Kirklees Metropolitan Council. - Inc figures and fact that report has been placed in the Library. (Dep 02/592).
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when he will publish the inspection report of the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate in respect of Kirklees Metropolitan Council. - Inc figures and fact that report has been placed in the Library. (Dep 02/592).
Asked by
Phil Hope
(Labour)
Answered by
Malcolm Wicks
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Work and Pensions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
20 March 2002
For answer on
21 March 2002
Answered on
21 March 2002
Phil Hope: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will publish the inspection report of the Benefit Fraud
Inspectorate in respect of Kirklees metropolitan council. [46216]
Malcolm Wicks: The Benefit Fraud Inspectorate's second report on Kirklees metropolitan council was published today and copies of the
report have been placed in the Library.
The BFI first inspected and published a report on the performance of Kirklees metropolitan council on 29 May 1999. It found that the
council was performing poorly. Following publication of this first report, the council accepted the recommendations and drew up an
action plan to improve performance. BFI's second report finds that Kirklees has largely failed to implement its own action plan and
has not fully addressed any of the major recommendations included in the first BFI report. Inspectors consider that the council's
performance in administering benefit and countering benefit fraud has got worse since the first inspection.
Poor performance was identified in many areas of benefit administration. A failure to improve the verification of benefit claims; no
improvement on previously slow processing times for new and renewal claims; a deterioration of procedure for dealing with the
overpayment of benefit; and a lack of supervisory management were all reported by inspectors. At the time of the inspection there
was a backlog of around 7,000 cases awaiting assessment and 65,000 documents awaiting filing.
On counter fraud work, the report notes failures by the council to introduce and implement a counter fraud strategy and to introduce
and implement a prosecution policy. There was also increased potential for internal fraud, fewer fraud staff and a lack of
management within the counter fraud teams.
The BFI considers that Kirklees metropolitan council's inadequate response to the findings of the first inspection casts grave
doubts on its commitment to provide an efficient and secure benefits system.
The report makes recommendations to help the council address weaknesses and to improve the administration of housing benefit and
council tax benefit, as well as counter fraud activities.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is now considering the report and will be asking the council for its proposals in
response to the findings and recommendations of the BFI.
Subjects
Council tax benefits; Abuse; Administration; Housing benefit; Fraud; Inspections; Social security benefits; Standards; Kirklees; Benefit Fraud Inspectorate; Kirklees Council
Date
21 March 2002
Reference
46216; 382 c525-6W;382 c523-4W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to improve the performance of local authorities in administering housing benefit and council tax benefit. (Information in library Dep 02/1727).
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to improve the performance of local authorities in administering housing benefit and council tax benefit. (Information in library Dep 02/1727).
Asked by
Phil Hope
(Labour)
Answered by
Malcolm Wicks
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Work and Pensions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
20 March 2002
For answer on
21 March 2002
Answered on
21 March 2002
Phil Hope: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to improve the performance of local
authorities in administering housing benefit and council tax benefit. [46218]
Malcolm Wicks: Improving the administration of housing benefit and council tax benefit is a key part of our reform programme.
We are today launching a set of comprehensive performance standards covering the full range of administration. For the first time
local authorities will know exactly what it is we are expecting them to achieve. A copy of the product has been placed in the
Library and this month two copies of the package will be sent to every English, Welsh and Scottish authority administering these
benefits.
Local authorities will now be able to undertake a comprehensive self-assessment against the standards, to determine how far they
deliver these benefits effectively and securely.
The standards cover seven functional areas and deliberately address the full range of administrative activity, not just speed,
accuracy and security. They will provide a basis for measuring performance in administering housing benefit and council tax benefit,
enabling local authorities to conduct a self-assessment to determine their own level of performance and to work in an environment of
continuous improvement.
In addition, the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate will assess performance against these standards using an authority's self-assessment as
part of the inspection process.
The performance standards demonstrate our determination to improve the standard of housing benefit and council tax benefit
administration, as part of our wider drive to reduce barriers to work, promote dignity and security in retirement and to protect the
system against fraud and error.
Subjects
Council tax benefits; Administration; Housing benefit; Local government; Social security benefits; Standards
Date
21 March 2002
Reference
46218; 382 c523-4W;382 c521-2W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when he will publish the inspection report of the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate in respect of the City of Salford Council. - Inc figures and fact that report has been placed in the Library. (Dep 02/591).
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when he will publish the inspection report of the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate in respect of the City of Salford Council. - Inc figures and fact that report has been placed in the Library. (Dep 02/591).
Asked by
Phil Hope
(Labour)
Answered by
Malcolm Wicks
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Work and Pensions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
20 March 2002
For answer on
21 March 2002
Answered on
21 March 2002
Phil Hope: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will publish the inspection report of the Benefit Fraud
Inspectorate in respect of the city of Salford council. [46217]
Malcolm Wicks: The Benefit Fraud Inspectorate's report on the city of Salford council was published today and copies of the report
have been placed in the Library.
The report finds the city of Salford council to be a poorly performing authority in almost all aspects of benefits administration
and counter fraud activity.
BFI reports finding evidence of good policies and procedures, but these were undermined by inadequate implementation or monitoring.
For example, a benefit take-up policy existed but there was limited evidence of implementation.
The report identifies a range of examples of poor administration. This includes an inadequate management checking regime, poor
standards for verifying claims for benefit, and failure to process all new claims within 14 days of receiving all the necessary
information.
Procedures for dealing with changes to claimants' circumstances were found to be flawed and a failure to apply the law was likely to
lead to over and under- payments of benefit.
The council had no policy on overpayments. The lack of quality management information and a lack of managerial or supervisory
involvement contribute to poor overpayment recovery. In March 2000 the council's recorded overpayment debt stood at almost £5
million and was rising year on year.
While the city of Salford council had a positive counter fraud strategy and had provided officers with a good procedures manual,
investigation quality was found to be inadequate. There was no control over investigations, nor over the workload of each
investigator which was found to be excessive.
The report makes recommendations to help the council address weaknesses and to improve the administration of housing benefit and
council tax benefit, as well as counter fraud activities.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is now considering the report and will be asking the council for its proposals in
response to the findings and recommendations of the BFI.
Subjects
Council tax benefits; Abuse; Administration; Housing benefit; Fraud; Inspections; Social security benefits; Standards; Salford; Benefit Fraud Inspectorate; Salford City Council
Date
21 March 2002
Reference
46217; 382 c525W;382 c522-3W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, What policies her Department is pursuing to increase access to medicines in developing countries. (Failed OPQ). - Inc figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, What policies her Department is pursuing to increase access to medicines in developing countries. (Failed OPQ). - Inc figures.
Asked by
Phil Hope
(Labour)
Answered by
Clare Short
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 February 2002
For answer on
6 March 2002
Answered on
6 March 2002
Phil Hope: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what policies her Department is pursuing to increase access
to medicines in developing countries. [37335]
Clare Short: We are committed to working with our developing country partners and other international organisations to address the
four key factors which are recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as effecting access to medicines. These are sustainable
financing, affordable pricing, reliable health and supply systems and the rational selection and use of existing drugs.
On sustainable financing, we are supporting, with a commitment of $200 million from DFlD's budget over five years, the Global Fund
to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, which will help pay for increased coverage of proven interventions for three diseases and some
associated health systems strengthening .
The Working Group on Access to medicines, which I chair is working to bring about more affordable pricing. The UK is also supporting
work undertaken by the WHO, World Trade Organisation and the European Commission on drug pricing.
We have committed over £1 billion since 1997 to strengthening developing countries' health systems, building their capacity both to
deliver medicines to the poor and to make effective choices about the selection and use of drugs.
Subjects
Developing countries; Drugs; Prices; World Trade Organization; World Health Organization
Date
6 March 2002
Reference
381 c331-2W;381 c331W; 37335
House
House of Commons
Statement on what representations he has received on the local government finance settlement for 2002-03 (HC 545); and what conclusions he has reached. (Letter in Library at Dep 02/223).
Statement on what representations he has received on the local government finance settlement for 2002-03 (HC 545); and what conclusions he has reached. (Letter in Library at Dep 02/223).
Asked by
Phil Hope
(Labour)
Answered by
Nick Raynsford
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
25 January 2002
For answer on
28 January 2002
Answered on
28 January 2002
Phil Hope: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what representations he has received on the
local government finance settlement for 2002-03; and what conclusions he has reached. [31570]
Mr. Raynsford: I have today laid before the House the Local Government Finance Report (England) 2002-03. This report establishes the
amounts of revenue support grant (RSG) and non-domestic rates (NDR) to be paid to local authorities in 2002-03, and the basis of
their distribution. A draft of this report was issued for consultation on 4 December 2001, and updated information on grant
allocations was published on 15 December and 28 December. The Department received a total of 386 written representations within the
consultation deadlines from the Local Government Association and the Association of London Government, as well as from 334 local
authorities, local authority groups and hon. Members.
Having considered the views of the local authority associations and other who have commented on my initial proposals, I have decided
to make two main changes to my original proposals on grant distribution.
I have introduced an alternative baseline for 2001-02. This change, in effect, adjusts only for the transfers of service for which
shire districts, police and fire authorities are responsible. In order to guarantee a minimum 2.3 per cent. increase, I have given
these authorities whichever increase is greater--2.3 per cent. on the original baseline, or 2.3 per cent. on the alternative.
I have also made a change on the basis of the adjustment for the National Care Standards Commission transfer. We have concluded that
it is correct to adjust only for the existing cost of local authority activity in this area. Otherwise, this change would have had
adverse impacts for a number of authorities and after careful consideration, I have added extra money into the settlement to ensure
that these authorities are reimbursed for the cost of this change.
No local authority loses out as a result of these changes as I have added some £27 million to the total of RSG and NNDR I announced
on 4 December.
In addition, the final figures published today reflect the more accurate data that have become available since we published our
proposals.
This year's settlement provides a good increase in money for local authorities. For the first time every local authority has been
given a grant increase at least in line with inflation and in many cases much higher. This will allow councils to improve services
while setting reasonable council tax increases. There should be no reason for big increases. The Government have increased money for
local councils by 20 per cent. over the last four years.
This year, bills show clearly how much different tiers of authority are charging and by how much they have increased their part of
the council tax. If any councils set substantial increases, their taxpayers and local electorate will have every reason to question
their council's decision.
I shall be sending copies of this report and a guide to the settlement to all authorities, together with tables showing each
authority's Standard Spending Assessment and its entitlement to RSG and NDR. Copies of the report, tables, and the guide are
available in the Vote Office and the Libraries of the House.
Subjects
Finance; Local government; Business rates; National Care Standards Commission; Revenue support grant
Date
28 January 2002
Reference
31570; 379 c64-5W
House
House of Commons