Category: Questions

Oral & written questions in the Lords and Commons

Bishop of Bristol asks about early detection methods for osteoporosis

The Bishop of Bristol asked a question on progress in early detection of osteoporosis on 5th February 2024, during a debate on plans to invest in NHS Fracture Liaison Services in England:

The Lord Bishop of Bristol: My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Black, for his dedicated work in bringing this important topic to the attention of the House. Around this time a year ago, the noble Lord asked another Question on the early detection of osteoporosis, which is the leading cause of fractures in those aged over 50, particularly women. In his answer, the Minister, who is answering the Question again today, noted that

“a fractured femur is the second biggest reason for intake into hospitals, in terms of beds”—[Official Report, 19/1/23; col. 1926]

and that he would be happy to report on progress on this to the House. Will he tell us whether any progress has been made since he gave that answer one year ago?

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Bishop of St Albans asks about UK efforts to help resolve the Rohingya refugee crisis

The Bishop of St Albans received the following written answer on 5th February 2024:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked  His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking, in their capacity as penholder for Myanmar at the UN Security Council, to help find solutions to the Rohingya refugee crisis, and particularly to create the conditions necessary for safe, dignified, and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.

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Bishop of St Albans asks about access to bank accounts and services for small businesses

The Bishop of St Albans received the following written answer on 5th February 2024:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked His Majesty’s Government:

  • what assessment they have made of the impact on small businesses in rural areas of having their bank accounts frozen or closed entirely.
  • what assessment they have made of the impact on small businesses of many banks, including HSBC, NatWest and Santander, not allowing them to open accounts.
  • what plans they have to ensure that banks do not unfairly refuse applications to small businesses to open accounts, given that there is no requirement currently to tell a customer why they have been turned down.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton (Con, Treasury): The Government recognises the vital role SMEs play in fuelling economic growth, and it is important they can access the banking services they need.

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Bishop of London asks about access to green spaces

The Bishop of London asked a question about accessible green spaces on 1st February 2024:

The Lord Bishop of London: My Lords, it was welcome to see the introduction of funding for opening new permissive access in the latest update to the agricultural transition plan, released in January. According to the Ramblers, access to public rights of way and the time in nature that they provide is deeply unequal. Can the Minister explain how this funding will be steered towards routes that are most needed, and how she will ensure that these new routes are of sufficiently high quality to be accessible to as many people as possible?

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Bishop of Manchester asks about rising costs of temporary accommodation

The Bishop of Manchester tabled a question on rising costs of temporary accommodation affecting local authorities on 31st January 2024:

The Lord Bishop of Manchester asked His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact on local authority finances caused by the rising cost of temporary accommodation.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook (Con): My Lords, local authorities deliver vital homelessness services, and we recognise the pressure that the cost of temporary accommodation places on councils. As we announced recently, total core spending power for councils in England will rise by 7.5% for 2023-24 to 2024-25—an above-inflation increase. In addition, we are providing more than £1 billion over three years to councils through the homelessness prevention grant, with a further £120 million UK-wide funding in 2024-25, announced at Autumn Statement, to help prevent homelessness.

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Bishop of London asks about impact of Imprisonment for Public Protection sentences on rates of suicide and self harm

The Bishop of London asked a question on the impact of IPP (Imprisonment for Public Protection) Sentences on prisoners, particularly with regard to increased risks of self harm and suicide, on 31st January 2024:

The Lord Bishop of London: My Lords, the recently announced proposed change to the recall period for serving IPP sentences is welcomed. What assessment has the Minister made of the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman’s recommendation that prisoners’ IPP status should be considered as a potential risk factor for suicide and self-harm?

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Bishop of St Albans asks about ensuring fair charges in the motor finance market

The Bishop of St Albans received the following written answer on 31st January 2024:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked His Majesty’s Government, further to the investigation launched by the Financial Conduct Authority on 11 January into the motor finance market, what long-term plans they have to ensure customers are charged fair and transparent prices in that market.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton (Con, Treasury): The government believes it is vital that consumers have access to a healthy, competitive and sustainable motor finance market to enable them to spread the cost of a vehicle in a way that is manageable and affordable.

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Bishop of Chelmsford asks about medical care for migrant detainees at MOD Wethersfield

The Bishop of Chelmsford received the following written answer on 31st Janaury 2024:

The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford asked His Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Sharpe of Epsom on 11 December 2023 (HL597), how often is the doctor at the onsite primary healthcare available to hold in-person consultations for residents.

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Bishop of London asks about support for those with English as an additional language to access community services

The Bishop of London asked a question on community support strategies for those speaking English as an additional language and those with disabilities on 30th January 2024, during a discussion on the impact of the local authority Household Support Fund:

The Lord Bishop of London: My Lords, groups such as those with English as an additional language and disabled people face higher barriers to accessing local crisis support. Will the Government in their evaluation consider the strategies that are in place, or could be put in place, to ensure that those who face barriers can access local crisis support?

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Bishop of St Albans asks about changes to HMRC telephone services

The Bishop of St Albans received the following written answer on 30th January 2024:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked His Majesty’s Government what plans they have to ensure customers are adequately supported given recent changes to HMRC’s phone support for taxpayers.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton (Con, Treasury): This is a busy time for customers who want to get their taxes sorted. Directing those with simple queries to online services, where they can be resolved more quickly, will ensure telephone advisers are available to help customers with complex queries or those who cannot get online.

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