Contributions
1,730 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDBenefit Cap: Families with ChildrenThe statistics indicate that 140,000 households with children have their benefit capped; my understanding is that overall it is about 3.1% of the UC case load. I am conscious of…30 Nov 2020HANSARDVulnerable Families: Winter SupportMy hon. Friend is absolutely right to stress that point. As I have already indicated, his council will receive just over half a million pounds. The grant has come with conditions…30 Nov 2020HANSARDTopical QuestionsI know that the Pensions Minister—the Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, my hon. Friend the Member for Hexham (Guy Opperman)—will be delighted to meet my hon. Friend…30 Nov 2020HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe situation that happens with aspects of pensions is quite complicated and often these are reciprocal arrangements, so that is where such things as aggregation may well happen,…30 Nov 2020HANSARDTopical QuestionsAs the hon. Gentleman knows, the Government introduced a raft of temporary measures to support those hardest hit, including the furlough scheme, the self-employment income support…30 Nov 2020HANSARDSpending Review 2020The decision made last year was to increase it to the 30th percentile in cash terms—that is around £1 billion of welfare support that has been added. On consideration, we felt it…30 Nov 2020HANSARDSpending Review 2020I think I have already answered the hon. Lady. We have not reduced the LHA back to pre-covid arrangements; we decided to make that change a permanent fixture but to freeze it at…30 Nov 2020HANSARDTopical QuestionsMy hon. Friend rightly draws attention to than important point. As a result of actions by this Government, the UK is the first major economy to put climate risk and disclosure…30 Nov 2020HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe hon. Gentleman is right to draw attention to our plan for jobs. He will be aware that there are a number of schemes already under way, including kickstart, JETS and the…30 Nov 2020HANSARDTopical QuestionsOf course, that tier 3 status has put forward by the Government, and I am very conscious of the efforts that were being made right across Birmingham and other areas of the west…30 Nov 2020HANSARDVulnerable Families: Winter SupportI agree with my hon. Friend and he looks ready and dressed to support a holiday activity fund when the opportunity comes along. Maintaining that important link over the longer…30 Nov 2020HANSARDSpending Review 2020The best way to get out of poverty is to get into work. I am very conscious that there are real challenges right now, as we see an increasing number of unemployed people. There…30 Nov 2020HANSARDSpending Review 2020Last week I published the benefit uprating statement, which indicated the inflation rise for benefits, as well as the 2.5% for state pensions. I am conscious that a number of…30 Nov 2020HANSARDTopical QuestionsWe want to make sure that all eligible pensioners claim the pension credit to which they are rightly entitled, and we want to encourage people to either call the free claim…30 Nov 2020HANSARDBenefit Cap: Families with ChildrenMy understanding is that 460 households with children are subject to the UC cap in the Bedford local authority area. I am conscious that that is a higher number than the hon.…30 Nov 2020HANSARDBenefit Cap: Families with ChildrenThe most recent statistics, released last week, show that 140,000 households with children have had their benefit capped. The proportion remains low by comparison with the overall…30 Nov 2020HANSARDSocial Security Benefit and Pension Up-rating 2021-22I have concluded my statutory annual review of benefit and state pension rates. The new rates will apply in the tax year 2021-22, and come into effect on 12 April 2021. The Social…25 Nov 2020HANSARDWork and PensionsMy understanding is that the policy relates to people who have had child maintenance arrangements for a very long time. There comes a point when there is an element of…16 Nov 2020HANSARDWork and PensionsMy understanding is that the policy relates to people who have had child maintenance arrangements for a very long time. There comes a point when there is an element of…16 Nov 2020HANSARDSupporting Disadvantaged FamiliesIt is nice to see my hon. Friend back in the House after her maternity leave. She speaks with appropriate compassion and she recognises some of the local organisations in her…09 Nov 2020