Page:Hansard (UK) - Vol 566 No. 40 August 29th 2013.pdf/93

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Brandon Lewis: Our planning policy for traveller sites states that local planning authorities should strictly limit the development of new traveller sites in the open countryside. This must be read in conjunction with the National Planning Policy Framework which accords great weight to conserving the landscape and scenic beauty of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Notwithstanding, I am open to representations on whether further steps are needed to reform planning policy on travellers sites.

Brandon Lewis: In relation to Wales, the matters for which my Department is responsible are largely devolved to the National Assembly for Wales and the Welsh Government. We are, however, responsible for giving development consent for some of the categories of nationally significant infrastructure projects under the Planning Act 2008 across both England and Wales.

Brandon Lewis: This Government is fully committed to the Welsh language and fully committed to providing Government services in the Welsh language where there is demand for them.

The Welsh Measure was adopted in 2011. There has not been a review by the Department of Communities and Local Government into the Welsh Language scheme since its introduction.

Brandon Lewis: The information is as follows:

Local authority spending on youth services

Most spending decisions on youth services are made at a local level as local authorities are in the best position to assess local needs and priorities.

Local authority funding is not ring fenced and so local authorities can allocate resources according to the local context. Central government’s role is to give them the freedom and flexibilities to make the most effective decisions.

Locals authorities’ planned and actual expenditure on youth services, ’where it is segregated from other services, is published at:

Youth and Community funding is one of the services supported by the local Government Finance Settlement, which is arranged through my Department. It is not possible to say how much funding has been provided for any particular service.

DCLG’s spending on youth services

During the period 2010-11 to 2012-13 my Department has funded some specific projects targeted at youth work, that align with the strategic objectives of the Department.

As part of our Integration strategy:

As part of our Homelessness strategy:

Troubled Families Programme

Since 2012-13 my Department has taken on the delivery of the Troubled Families programme. Announced in December 2011 by the Prime Minister, the Troubled Families Programme is a £448 million three year programme which aims to turn around the lives of 120,000 families by the end of this Parliament. The funding is drawn from six Government Departments, including DCLG. Of the £448 million budget, £136 million was paid to local authorities in 2012-13. The remainder will fall in future financial years.