Contributions
4,729 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCarers: Unpaid LeaveYes, of course.14 Jun 2022HANSARDCarers: Unpaid LeaveThe business managers would point out that it probably takes a lot more than a day to deliver important legislation such as this, which includes going through the proper and…14 Jun 2022HANSARDCarers: Unpaid LeaveThe noble Lord is absolutely right. Certainly, that is a good suggestion, and I shall take it back for the department to have a closer look at. It would seem like a good idea. I…14 Jun 2022HANSARDCarers: Unpaid LeaveThe noble Baroness makes an important point. As I said, we will look for alternative vehicles to deliver this policy. For the details, we will of course look at any proposals in…14 Jun 2022HANSARDCarers: Unpaid LeaveMy understanding is that it would need primary legislation.14 Jun 2022HANSARDCarers: Unpaid LeaveWell, I suppose the answer to the noble Baroness’s question is that it depends on how much time Parliament chooses to spend on particular legislation. Obviously, we were committed…14 Jun 2022HANSARDCarers: Unpaid LeaveThe noble Baroness is asking me questions that are way above my pay grade.14 Jun 2022HANSARDCarers: Unpaid LeaveOf course, we want to see people supported in the workforce as much as possible, which is why we introduced a right to request flexible working, and many employers have been able…14 Jun 2022HANSARDCarers: Unpaid LeaveThe noble Baroness is certainly right. We know that many carers experience considerable challenges in balancing work with their caring responsibilities, which is why we consulted…14 Jun 2022HANSARDFuel PovertyMy Lords, in our latest official projection, there would be an estimated 3.03 million households in England in fuel poverty in 2022, according to the low-income, low-energy…13 Jun 2022HANSARDFuel PovertyThe noble Lord makes a very good point, and that is one of the aspects we are looking at—indirect suppliers through the consultations that we are holding on the various support…13 Jun 2022HANSARDFuel PovertyIt is very generous of the noble Lord to offer to give it up, but of course the point he makes is valid. It is a combination of the expense and bureaucracy of means-testing…13 Jun 2022HANSARDFuel PovertyMy noble friend makes a very good point. There is a lot of diplomatic action going on with organisations such as OPEC, precisely in the terms that he alludes to. We are also, of…13 Jun 2022HANSARDFuel PovertyThe noble Baroness makes a very good point. Heat networks are another of the difficult areas we need to address as part of the consultation we are doing. I also point out that we…13 Jun 2022HANSARDFuel PovertyThe figures that the noble Lord quotes are, of course, using different metrics. There is a big debate about which is the appropriate metric to use, but we can all accept, whatever…13 Jun 2022HANSARDFuel PovertyThe noble Baroness says that this is not enough, but of course, we also need many of those companies to continue to invest both in North Sea production and in renewable…13 Jun 2022HANSARDConstruction Contracts (England) Exclusion Order 2022While Ofwat’s regulatory regime has been successful at challenging the performance and efficiency of what are ultimately monopoly companies, in some areas, such as the delivery of…13 Jun 2022HANSARDConstruction Contracts (England) Exclusion Order 2022It was not published, but I would be happy to send the noble Lord a letter with the details of the consultation in question. I was asked a question on pay when paid. Again, it is…13 Jun 2022HANSARDConstruction Contracts (England) Exclusion Order 2022In essence, the noble Lord is right. The regulation exemption will apply to the main, overall contract, but the separate contracts that will exist lower down the supply chain with…13 Jun 2022HANSARDConstruction Contracts (England) Exclusion Order 2022As I said, these are specific to a unique procurement model which is being trialled and which we think will be appropriate in the water and sewerage sector. We therefore think it…13 Jun 2022