Month: September 2023

Bishop of Southwark asks about recent report on poverty levels

The Bishop of Southwark received the following written answer on 14th September 2023:

The Lord Bishop of Southwark asked His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the Poverty Strategy Commission’s interim report A New Framework for Tackling Poverty, published on 5 September, and in particular the recommendations that a net rise in benefit awards by 5 per cent would reduce numbers in poverty by 725,000 and a net rise in earnings wound reduce poverty by 515,000.

Continue reading “Bishop of Southwark asks about recent report on poverty levels”

Bishop of St Albans asks about safeguards for whistle-blowers in the NHS

The Bishop of St Albans received the following written answer on 14th September 2023:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked His Majesty’s Government what safeguards exist to protect whistle-blowers in the NHS.

Lord Markham (Con, Department of Health and Social Care): Workers who blow the whistle are entitled to protections, which were introduced through the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans asks about safeguards for whistle-blowers in the NHS”

Bishop of Durham asks about freezing of local housing allowance

The Bishop of Durham received the following written answer on 14th September 2023:

The Lord Bishop of Durham asked His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact on families of freezing local housing allowance rates for the past three years.

Viscount Younger of Leckie (Con, DWP): No Assessment has been made, however the department works closely with stakeholders, Jobcentres and Local Authorities to understand the impact of its policies on families.

The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) policy is kept under regular review and rates are reviewed annually by the Secretary of State. LHA rates are not intended to meet all rents in all areas.

Continue reading “Bishop of Durham asks about freezing of local housing allowance”

Bishop of London asks about costs for hospitals affected by weakened concrete structures

The Bishop of London asked a question she had tabled on costs of ensuring the safety of NHS sites affected by reinforced autoclaved concrete (RAAC), on 13th September 2023:

The Lord Bishop of London: To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they will take to support NHS trusts with the cost of ensuring hospital sites are safe until reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete can be removed.

Continue reading “Bishop of London asks about costs for hospitals affected by weakened concrete structures”

Votes: Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill

On 13th September 2023, the House of Lords debated the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill in the Report stage. Votes were held on amendments to the Bill, in which Bishops took part:

Continue reading “Votes: Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill”

Bishop of St Albans asks about numbers of doctors and nurses leaving the NHS in recent years

The Bishop of St Albans received the following written answer on 13th September 2023:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked His Majesty’s Government how many (1) doctors, and (2) nurses, left the NHS in (a) 2019, (b) 2020, (c) 2021, and (d) 2022.

Lord Markham (Con, Department of Health and Social Care): The table below shows the published data on the leaver rates as a percentage and the number of doctors and nurses & health visitors who have left active service in National Health Service trusts and core organisations, for each annual period 2019 to 2022.

Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans asks about numbers of doctors and nurses leaving the NHS in recent years”

Church Commissioners Written Questions: Schools, Clergy, Community Relations, Engagement, Closures, and Repairs & Maintenance

On 12th September 2023, Andrew Selous MP, representing the Church Commissioners, gave the following written answers to questions from MPs:

Julian Knight MP (Ind, Solihull): To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church is taking to collaborate with local schools and educational institutions to promote positive values and to engage with students and educators.

Continue reading “Church Commissioners Written Questions: Schools, Clergy, Community Relations, Engagement, Closures, and Repairs & Maintenance”

Votes: Energy Bill

On 12th September 2023, the House of Lords debated Commons Reasons and Amendments to the Energy Bill. Votes were held on motions relating to amendments, in which bishops took part:

Continue reading “Votes: Energy Bill”

Bishop of Gloucester asks about affordable housing

The Bishop of Gloucester asked a question on ensuring affordable housing for local communities on 12th September 2023:

The Lord Bishop of Gloucester: My Lords, I thank the Minister for that answer about affordability, but I wonder what steps the Government are taking to ensure that the definition of affordability is a good one. Could we redefine it so that it means affordable for most local people in that community, and look at what that is doing to house prices generally in each area?

Continue reading “Bishop of Gloucester asks about affordable housing”

Bishop of Manchester asks about reduction of African countries’ debts

The Bishop of Manchester received the following written answer on 12th September 2023:

The Lord Bishop of Manchester asked His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the statement by African Faith Leaders on 8 August calling for a reduction of debt across African countries.

Continue reading “Bishop of Manchester asks about reduction of African countries’ debts”