Contributions
1,271 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDHousing: New HomesMy noble friend is correct about the rate of housebuilding, but given that we completed 241,000 builds last year, there is evidence that such a figure can be delivered. Housing…11 Feb 2020HANSARDHousing: New HomesThe noble Baroness raises an important issue that will be part of the planning White Paper: how do we involve communities in the planning process and is guidance to consult before…11 Feb 2020HANSARDHousing: New HomesThe noble Lord is correct that, once planning permission is granted—which can take about two years—it is in everyone’s interests, including the developer and the local community,…11 Feb 2020HANSARDHousing: New HomesMy noble friend is correct that economics and the prompting that the Government can give this sector are important. That is why local authorities must now have a five-year land…11 Feb 2020HANSARDSocial MobilityMy Lords, as a beneficiary of social mobility, I am honoured to answer this debate on behalf of the Government. I thank the noble Baroness, Lady Tyler, for raising these issues…29 Jan 2020HANSARDApprenticeship LevyMy Lords, this month we began the transition of the smaller employers which do not pay the levy on to our apprenticeship service, currently used by levy-paying employers. This…28 Jan 2020HANSARDApprenticeship LevyMy Lords, there has recently been that change with the cap raised to 25%, and we are seeing the effect that it has. The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education is…28 Jan 2020HANSARDApprenticeship LevyThe noble Lord is trying me and I hope I will not be found wanting. The 10% co-investment fee has been reduced to 5%, which I hope will solve some of the issues. Also, if very…28 Jan 2020HANSARDApprenticeship LevyThe noble Lord raises an important point. Bringing small and medium-sized enterprises into the apprenticeship service, which is part of GOV.UK, should enable the lessening of…28 Jan 2020HANSARDApprenticeship LevyMy Lords, the Government are aware of that specific problem in relation to the creative industries, which also arises partly because many of the people in that sector are sole…28 Jan 2020HANSARDApprenticeship LevyMy Lords, on behalf of the Government, I thank the noble Lord for his work as an apprenticeship ambassador. The apprenticeship levy only came into force in April 2017, so there…28 Jan 2020HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal Agreement) BillMy Lords, it is now over six minutes. I remind all noble Lords—I am trying to play an equal wicket here—to keep within the advisory speaking time. There has been a little…13 Jan 2020HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal Agreement) BillMy Lords, I hate to interrupt, but the noble Lord has spoken for six minutes 48 seconds and the advisory speaking time is five minutes. I would thank him for concluding.13 Jan 2020HANSARDUniversities: Anti-SemitismI am grateful to the noble Lord. Yes, this is an internationally recognised definition, and we were the first Government to adopt it. Unfortunately, I cannot elaborate on any…04 Nov 2019HANSARDUniversities: Anti-SemitismMy Lords, in response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s recent report on racial harassment on campus, the Office for Students issued a consultation on expectations to…04 Nov 2019HANSARDUniversities: Anti-SemitismThe noble Lord is right that the definition is very important. It should leave universities in no doubt about what is and is not acceptable behaviour on campus. Free speech should…04 Nov 2019HANSARDUniversities: Anti-SemitismMy Lords, I join my noble friend Lord Leigh in saying that, yes, it is disappointing. But the Government are aware of only five institutions; there may be other providers which…04 Nov 2019HANSARDUniversities: Anti-SemitismMy Lords, the Government strongly encourage higher education providers to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti-Semitism. The Universities…04 Nov 2019HANSARDUniversities: Anti-SemitismI am grateful to the most reverend Primate. I obviously agree, but it is not “mere exhortation”. The EHRC guidance on freedom of expression on campus was put together with a…04 Nov 2019HANSARDPrisonsI am grateful to the right revered Prelate. I happened upon exactly that series and watched with interest the challenges faced by the—at that time—female governor of Her Majesty’s…29 Oct 2019