Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Monday 20 January 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Virendra Sharma questioned the Government on free school meals, citing 400,000 children in London at risk of food insecurity.
  • Bob Blackman inquired about Government support for parents establishing faith-based free schools.
  • Rosie Cooper asked about the assessment of funding adequacy for local councils to support nursery provision, receiving information on new funding allocations.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Virendra Sharma Lab Harrow West
Education
Context

Reports suggested that the Department's learner record service data was shared with a commercial data broker, which the Minister denied.

Question

The Under-Secretary of State for Education responded to questions on free school meals inadequately. About 400,000 children in London alone are at risk of food insecurity. When will universal free school meals be adopted?

Answer from Gavin Williamson

I disagree with the assessment that my Under-Secretary did not answer questions on free school meals adequately. The Government supports schemes like breakfast clubs and holiday activity clubs, which are making a significant difference to many young people.

Answered

Not addressed: Did not address when universal free school meals will be adopted or the 400,000 children at risk of food insecurity in London.

How: Changing Topic

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Bob Blackman Con Ealing Central and Acton
Education Religion & Faith
Context

Parents in Bob's constituency are trying to set up an Islamic faith school as a free school but Harrow Council is obstructing them.

Question

What will the Government do to encourage and enable parents to establish faith-based free schools if they so wish?

Answer from Gavin Williamson

The Government recognises the role of religious and faith organisations in the education system. It is disheartening that Harrow Council's political ideology may deprive young people of educational opportunities, and I will write to the council's chief executive for assurances.

Answered

Not addressed: null

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Rosie Cooper Lab
Children & Families Local Government
Context

Nurseries in Rosie Cooper's constituency are threatened with closure due to inadequate funding.

Question

As nurseries in my constituency are threatened with closure, I ask what assessment has been made of the adequacy of funding for local councils to fund children's services and nursery provision?

Answer from Nick Gibb

We have announced £66 million of extra funding for the coming financial year, which means 8p an hour for early years providers in most local authorities. Additionally, a £60 million top-up has been provided for maintained nursery schools. We monitor the marketplace to ensure sufficient provision and keep this under review.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)