Omicron Variant Support for Key Services 2022-01-13
2022-01-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the challenges faced by local businesses and services due to the omicron variant, necessitating additional support.
What support are you providing to businesses and the voluntary sector to support key services affected by the omicron variant?
The most important thing is to come out of the covid restrictions and reopen our economy. Boosters remain the best way to save lives, reduce the pressure on our NHS and keep our country safe. Almost eight out of 10 eligible adults in England are now boosted.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address specific support measures for businesses and voluntary sector during omicron variant
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A year ago, Phil Grant of the DVLA tragically died from coronavirus. There have been over 700 reported cases since then. Unions and management agreed on new safety measures but they were not implemented.
A year after Phil Grant's death due to coronavirus at the DVLA, with 1,700 cumulative cases now, will you intervene to enable a scheme agreed by both unions and management to protect workers' safety?
I recognise the seriousness of the case. I express our sympathy for the family concerned. Under plan B, employees are encouraged to work from home where possible. The Secretary of State for Transport will pick up the case and I will raise it with him.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to immediate intervention but offered to flag the case
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Charities have played a crucial role during the pandemic, especially supporting vulnerable older people. The question arises from whether these organisations were involved in planning from the outset.
Does not the Minister agree that it would have been better to involve charities in planning right from the start? Can we learn this lesson for future emergencies?
The hon. Lady is absolutely right about the importance of charities and their involvement throughout the pandemic response. We have provided £750 million of support for charities.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address whether charities were involved from the start, only acknowledged their importance
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Ealing food bank is supporting those in need, and there are concerns about the impact of charging for testing on those already struggling.
If the Government move to charge for testing, will you commit to funding lateral flow tests for the most vulnerable to prevent unwanted outbreaks?
The UK continues to offer universal free testing. We have delivered more than any other country in Europe without charging. Testing has played a key role alongside the booster campaign, but we need to balance that with value for money and cost.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to funding lateral flow tests if charges are introduced
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
MAKE, an organisation supporting men's mental health during the pandemic, is facing challenges due to rising demand and waiting times.
What specifically are you doing to support Portsmouth social enterprises like MAKE to flourish and succeed at a time of high demand for mental health services?
We have had a package of £750 million of support. We have worked with various organisations, including holiday clubs and other support offered through our school sector. I am happy to look at the specific case highlighted by the hon. Member.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specifics on measures for Portsmouth social enterprises
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Local resilience forums are vital in emergency responses but have received minimal funding, leaving them underprepared.
Will you commit to properly and sustainably fund local resilience forums to ensure they are never again left without the necessary resources?
The hon. Lady is right on the importance of local resilience forums, but she is not right to say that the Government have not responded. There has been over £400 billion of support from the Government as part of our pandemic response.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to sustainable funding for local resilience forums
Response accuracy