Topical Questions 2020-01-13
2020-01-13
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The House commemorates the 75th anniversary of the liberation of World War Two concentration camps.
Gareth Johnson asks about what is being done to mark this occasion, particularly focusing on marking the end of the murder of six million Jewish men, women and children. He also inquires about efforts against antisemitism in general.
Robert Jenrick confirms his attendance at a holocaust forum with Prince Charles on 23 January. He also highlights additional funding for teaching lessons from Auschwitz and visits to Bergen-Belsen as part of efforts against antisemitism, emphasising the Government's commitment to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP discusses the consequences of council funding reductions, specifically mentioning a shortage of safe accommodation for vulnerable children.
Stephen Morgan questions if the Secretary of State agrees that the responsibility for this situation lies with his Government. He highlights issues such as illegal placements and distance from schools for at-risk young people in care homes.
Robert Jenrick acknowledges the issues and mentions a 4.4% real-terms increase in local government funding, including a £1 billion grant for social care. He notes that the Under-Secretary of State for Housing is taking forward the supported housing issue.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP praises the thriving high street in Marlow, mentioning an eco-friendly store. She asks about Department efforts to provide a better deal for overlooked towns.
Joy Morrissey compliments Marlow's vibrant market town environment and local businesses like FourState. She then inquires about what her department is doing to improve conditions for such high streets that have been neglected by Whitehall.
The Minister highlights the £3.6 billion towns fund supporting 100 town deals across England, along with the future high streets fund, indicating work with local government to ensure better health for these areas' high streets.
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Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
A previous question touched on council funding, including a mention of the Under-Secretary working on supported housing issues.
The Secretary of State made welcome reference to the funding settlement, which provides some relief, but that is for the next financial year. Can the Minister confirm that the extra funding will be provided in every year of this Parliament? Will the Government also continue to work with councils to ensure that funding settlements reflect the escalating demand for, and cost of, these services?
The Minister confirms that social care grant will continue every year, including an additional £9.2 million for his local authority into the next year, expressing willingness to meet with the right hon Gentleman to discuss further.
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Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State previously referenced funding settlement to ease the financial burden on councils but such relief is only slated for next year.
John Spellar inquires about the continuation of extra funding provided for children's social care beyond the upcoming financial year, requesting assurance that these funds will be sustained throughout this parliamentary term. He also seeks confirmation on the Government's commitment to collaborate with councils, ensuring that future funding reflects the increasing demand and cost of such services.
Luke Hall confirms the social care grant will indeed continue annually, including an additional £9.2 million for John Spellar's local authority into the next financial period. He expresses willingness to meet with Spellar to discuss this matter further.
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Response accuracy