1-20 of 715 results for tabledby:"Steve Darling"
Librarians' tools
- Search time
- 0.283 seconds
- Solr query time
- 0.004 seconds
- Search query
- tabledby:"Steve Darling"
- We searched for
- tablingMember_ses:546891
Type
House
Session
Year
Department
More
Member
More
Primary member
Answering member
More
Legislative stage
Legislation
Subject
More
Publisher
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he has assessed how far back in time it is possible to produce an adjusted poverty estimate of Households Below Average Income (HBAI); and if his Department will commit to going back as far as they can, by a...
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he has assessed how far back in time it is possible to produce an adjusted poverty estimate of Households Below Average Income (HBAI); and if his Department will commit to going back as far as they can, by a...
The latest Households Below Average Income: for financial years ending 1995 to 2025 release, published in March 2026, used an improved approach that uses linked administrative data in place of survey responses for the major state benefits and tax credits. In this March 2026 release, low-income estimates based on administrative linked data were produced for 2024/25 and the back-series years 2023/24, 2022/23 and 2021/22. In March 2027, administrative data linking will be applied to a further three back-series years: 2020/21, 2019/20 and 2018/19. Administrative linked estimates for Great Britain cannot be produced prior to 2018/19 due to the changes in General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018.
For more information please see both:Family Resources Survey Transformation: integrating administrative data for benefits - GOV.UK and Households Below Average Income (HBAI) statistics - GOV.UK
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the risks posed to recreational water users, including paddlers, by sewage discharges such as those affecting Torbay; and what steps she is taking to ensure the Clean Water Bill addresses the health...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the risks posed to recreational water users, including paddlers, by sewage discharges such as those affecting Torbay; and what steps she is taking to ensure the Clean Water Bill addresses the health...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she plans to introduce marine net gain as part of offshore developments.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she plans to introduce marine net gain as part of offshore developments.
The timing for any future marine net gain scheme will depend on its scope. Our current priority is building the evidence base for marine recovery more broadly, which we are doing through our research and development programme.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will provide an update on his Department's work to abolish the Work Capability Assessment as outlined in the 'Pathways to Work' Green Paper 2025.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will provide an update on his Department's work to abolish the Work Capability Assessment as outlined in the 'Pathways to Work' Green Paper 2025.
The Pathways to Work Green Paper outlined our plan to end the link between capacity to work and additional financial support and the binary categorisation of claimants as “can or can’t work” by abolishing the Work Capability Assessment (WCA). Instead, any extra financial support for health conditions in Universal Credit will be assessed via a single assessment – the PIP assessment (in England and Wales) – and be based on the impact of disability on daily living, not on capacity to work.
Due to its link with the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment, Work Capability Assessment abolition will not take place until after the Timms Review into PIP has reported. We are currently considering how the future system will operate and will provide further information in due course.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the Shared Housing Rate on the ability of under 35s to secure homes.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the Shared Housing Rate on the ability of under 35s to secure homes.
The Secretary of State reviewed Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates, including the shared accommodation rate, at the 2025 Autumn Budget and announced that rates would be maintained at their current levels for 2026/27. A range of factors, including rent levels across Great Britain and the levels of support currently available were considered against the fiscal context and welfare priorities. In line with equality duties, impacts on specific groups were also considered. DWP also continues to work closely with Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government to make sure interactions with homelessness and temporary accommodation are considered.
Renters receiving housing support who need further help to meet their rent costs can apply for a Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payment from local authorities in England.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he was made of the potential impact of the decision not to uprate Local Housing Allowance in the Autumn 2025 Budget on (a) families, (b) older renters, and (c) people with disabilities.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he was made of the potential impact of the decision not to uprate Local Housing Allowance in the Autumn 2025 Budget on (a) families, (b) older renters, and (c) people with disabilities.
The Secretary of State reviewed Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates, including the shared accommodation rate, at the 2025 Autumn Budget and announced that rates would be maintained at their current levels for 2026/27. A range of factors, including rent levels across Great Britain and the levels of support currently available were considered against the fiscal context and welfare priorities. In line with equality duties, impacts on specific groups were also considered. DWP also continues to work closely with Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government to make sure interactions with homelessness and temporary accommodation are considered.
Renters receiving housing support who need further help to meet their rent costs can apply for a Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payment from local authorities in England.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of not uprating Local Housing Allowance in-line with inflation at the Autumn 2025 Budget on levels of homelessness among Universal Credit claimants in (a) the South West and (b) Torbay.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of not uprating Local Housing Allowance in-line with inflation at the Autumn 2025 Budget on levels of homelessness among Universal Credit claimants in (a) the South West and (b) Torbay.
The Secretary of State reviewed Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates, including the shared accommodation rate, at the 2025 Autumn Budget and announced that rates would be maintained at their current levels for 2026/27. A range of factors, including rent levels across Great Britain and the levels of support currently available were considered against the fiscal context and welfare priorities. In line with equality duties, impacts on specific groups were also considered. DWP also continues to work closely with Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government to make sure interactions with homelessness and temporary accommodation are considered.
Renters receiving housing support who need further help to meet their rent costs can apply for a Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payment from local authorities in England.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the level of Local Housing Allowance on the use of temporary accommodation in England.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the level of Local Housing Allowance on the use of temporary accommodation in England.
The Secretary of State reviewed Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates, including the shared accommodation rate, at the 2025 Autumn Budget and announced that rates would be maintained at their current levels for 2026/27. A range of factors, including rent levels across Great Britain and the levels of support currently available were considered against the fiscal context and welfare priorities. In line with equality duties, impacts on specific groups were also considered. DWP also continues to work closely with Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government to make sure interactions with homelessness and temporary accommodation are considered.
Renters receiving housing support who need further help to meet their rent costs can apply for a Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payment from local authorities in England.
That this House congratulates Phoenix Rising on their recent charity status, having been running for five years as a Community Interest Company; commends them on the work that they do in Torbay and surrounding areas in supporting women over 18 who suffer from domestic abuse and in post-relationship support as well; further congratulates them on their recent funding from the National Lottery, which has allowed them to employ two more permanent members of staff and is allowing them to expand their operation into other local areas such as South Hams; and celebrates their work in the local area training professionals in trauma-informed support.
That this House congratulates Phoenix Rising on their recent charity status, having been running for five years as a Community Interest Company; commends them on the work that they do in Torbay and surrounding areas in supporting women over 18 who suffer from domestic abuse and in post-relationship support as...
That this House recognises the important work that hospices do for local communities across the United Kingdom, in particular in providing comfort and support to patients and families in end-of-life care; further recognises the work of staff and volunteers, who provide an integral service; notes that there is a postcode lottery around hospice care, where the funding and standard of care is not equal across the country; further notes that 70% of hospices believe they would need to cut services due to rising cost pressures; acknowledges that there are great disparities between funding across the country; calls on the Government to make sustainable hospice funding a priority and provide better funding for hospices by establishing strong multi-year NHS contracts and the full funding of specialist palliative care; and praises the cross-party working that has taken place so far, but calls on all parties to progress these talks further as a priority of the Government.
That this House recognises the important work that hospices do for local communities across the United Kingdom, in particular in providing comfort and support to patients and families in end-of-life care; further recognises the work of staff and volunteers, who provide an integral service; notes that there is a postcode...
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has worked with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on commissioning a comprehensive assessment of cumulative taxes on hospitality businesses; and what assessment he has made of the potential...
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has worked with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on commissioning a comprehensive assessment of cumulative taxes on hospitality businesses; and what assessment he has made of the potential...
Strategic authorities will decide whether a levy is right for their areas and, if so, consult on specific proposals. This will help them to find an appropriate balance between supporting local economic priorities, ensuring a levy is affordable, and providing stability and certainty for businesses. Levy funds will be used to support local economic growth, including in the visitor economy.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether HM Treasury alongside the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport have explored (a) the potential merits of VAT reform for the hospitality sector to match European countries that use a visitor levy and (b) the potential impact of reduced VAT on...
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether HM Treasury alongside the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport have explored (a) the potential merits of VAT reform for the hospitality sector to match European countries that use a visitor levy and (b) the potential impact of reduced VAT on...
The Government recognises the significant contribution made by hospitality businesses to economic growth and social life in the UK.
VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. VAT is the UK’s third largest tax, forecast to raise £180 billion in 2025/26.
HMRC estimates that the cost of changing the 20 per cent Standard Rate of VAT on all accommodation and food and beverage services to the Reduced Rate of 5 per cent would be around £17 billion in 2026-27, rising to £19.5 billion in 2030-31.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an estimate of the average repair costs for potholes in England, and what plans she has to reduce those costs.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an estimate of the average repair costs for potholes in England, and what plans she has to reduce those costs.
Industry estimates indicate that the average cost of repairing a pothole is around £80, although costs can vary significantly depending on the size and location of the defect and the repair method used.
The Government is supporting local highway authorities to reduce the long-term costs associated with potholes by encouraging preventative maintenance and asset management best practice. Through its record £7.3 billion investment in local highways maintenance over the next four years, the Government is providing authorities with the certainty to plan ahead and move away from expensive, short-term pothole repairs and instead invest in preventative road surface treatments so that roads can be fixed properly and fewer potholes form in the first place.
The Government is also encouraging this approach through transparency reporting, incentive funding and local road maintenance ratings. To receive their full funding allocation, local highway authorities are required to publish transparency reports setting out information on the condition of their roads, how they maintain their networks and how they are adopting best practice, including in relation to preventative maintenance and asset management. The Department's rating system provides a further incentive for authorities to adopt best practice and supports continuous improvement across the sector.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to ensure adequate resources for the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman to handle caseloads and help resolve issues.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to ensure adequate resources for the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman to handle caseloads and help resolve issues.
The Department maintains a sponsorship relationship with the Ombudsman, through which matters such as finances and casework are regularly discussed. The Ombudsman’s funding is set through the Department’s annual Business Planning processes. The Ombudsman was given a 33% uplift in funding for 2025/26 onwards to account for the increased demand on their complaints service.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Torbay sent on 22 and 27 April, reference SD16253.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Torbay sent on 22 and 27 April, reference SD16253.
I responded to the hon. Member’s correspondence on 15 July 2026 (our reference MC2026/11359) and to his further correspondence of 15 July 2026, in relation to the same case, on 12 August 2026 (our reference MC2026/15006).
That this House congratulates Torbay Civic Society on its 50th anniversary in 2026, marking half a century of dedicated voluntary service to the communities of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham; recognises that, since its foundation in 1976, the Society has worked tirelessly to promote public interest in the history, heritage, character and built environment of Torbay and to encourage the preservation and sympathetic development of the places that make the Bay distinctive; commends its important contribution to local heritage through its extensive Blue Plaque programme, historical research and publications, public lectures, community events and engagement with planning, conservation and regeneration matters; acknowledges the generations of officers, committee members, volunteers, supporters and local residents whose commitment has sustained the Society throughout its first 50 years; celebrates the Society's continuing work to increase public awareness and appreciation of Torbay's rich architectural, cultural and social heritage; further recognises the important contribution that independent civic societies make across the United Kingdom in protecting local identity, encouraging civic pride and giving communities a voice in shaping their future; and wishes Torbay Civic Society every success as it celebrates its Golden Jubilee and continues its work of celebrating Torbay's past and shaping its future for generations to come.
That this House congratulates Torbay Civic Society on its 50th anniversary in 2026, marking half a century of dedicated voluntary service to the communities of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham; recognises that, since its foundation in 1976, the Society has worked tirelessly to promote public interest in the history, heritage, character...
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, who is the responsible body for ensuring lead testing happens in school buildings.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, who is the responsible body for ensuring lead testing happens in school buildings.
Responsibility for the safety and maintenance of school buildings, including ensuring the quality of drinking water, rests with the responsible body for the school. For maintained schools this is usually the local authority or governing body, and for academies it is the academy trust.
Responsible bodies are expected to comply with relevant legal requirements and take appropriate action, including testing for lead in drinking water where there is a potential risk. The School Premises (England) Regulations 2012 require schools to have suitable drinking water facilities.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when her Department plans to reply to the correspondence of 26 June 2026 from the hon. Member for Torbay.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when her Department plans to reply to the correspondence of 26 June 2026 from the hon. Member for Torbay.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what oversight and regulation is in place for private adult skills education providers in England.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what oversight and regulation is in place for private adult skills education providers in England.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate they have made of the number of children eligible for free school meals who are not registered to receive them.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate they have made of the number of children eligible for free school meals who are not registered to receive them.
The department only collects data on pupils who are both eligible for and claiming free school meals. Children not claiming free school meals could be eligible or ineligible to claim them. As a result, no recent estimate has been made of the number of children eligible for but not registered to receive free school meals.