Contributions
1,127 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDUniversal CreditI am not sure that I agree with the noble Baroness about the complexities of the changes. As we have made clear all along, we are trying to make the universal credit system…02 Jun 2020HANSARDUniversal CreditI do not wish to be negative in any way but I have no knowledge of the Government considering that. Therefore, I am unable to say more than I have already said.02 Jun 2020HANSARDUniversal CreditI am pleased to be able to tell the House that we have seen unprecedented hard work and dedication by the staff of the DWP to make sure that the unprecedented number of claims…02 Jun 2020HANSARDUniversal CreditNon-repayable advances cannot be implemented without significant changes to the system; this is not currently our policy intent. Funding to do it would be needed from the…02 Jun 2020HANSARDUniversal CreditThe universal credit assessment period and payment structure are fundamental parts of its design. An assessment period must run its course, which includes a feed of earnings data…02 Jun 2020HANSARDUniversal CreditThe noble Baroness makes a very good point and I understand where she is coming from, but I must tell her that there are no plans to do as she requests. Bringing forward the…02 Jun 2020HANSARDUniversal CreditWe have increased the local housing allowance to cover the lowest 30th percentile of the local market, and alternative payment arrangements to landlords have been put in place. If…02 Jun 2020HANSARDUniversal CreditMy answer to the right reverend Prelate is that I know of no intention to make it a permanent arrangement.02 Jun 2020HANSARDUniversal CreditNon-repayable advances cannot be implemented without significant development of the universal credit system. No one has to wait five weeks. Advances are available urgently. The…02 Jun 2020HANSARDUniversal CreditI am happy to take that point back to the department and will write to the noble Baroness in due course.02 Jun 2020HANSARDUniversal CreditThe issue of a local hardship fund has been raised and there is a recommendation for it to be put in place. I am afraid that we will have to wait for the outcome of those…02 Jun 2020HANSARDUniversal CreditUniversal credit is simpler and fairer than the legacy system. It is designed to target resources at those who need them the most and to provide support for people who cannot…02 Jun 2020HANSARDUnemployment: SupportWith regard to the hospitality sector, I assure the noble Baroness and the whole House that the Department for Work and Pensions is looking at what can be done to support people…21 May 2020HANSARDUnemployment: SupportI am unaware of any plans to change the savings threshold at present, nor indeed to level up legacy benefits. The noble Baroness is right to keep us focused on the potential size…21 May 2020HANSARDUnemployment: SupportThe issue of care leavers is very important. We are providing a range of support. I am not aware of any changes to our position on universal credit regarding them, but I will take…21 May 2020HANSARDUnemployment: SupportThe Government have announced a National Skills Fund of £2.5 billion so that we can continue to upskill young people. Jobcentres are continuing to support them through these…21 May 2020HANSARDUnemployment: SupportWithout wishing to denigrate the size of the issue that we are facing, I make the point that although we have 2 million new claims to universal credit, this does not equate to the…21 May 2020HANSARDUnemployment: SupportI will answer the noble Baroness’s last point first: of course, I am prepared to meet groups that are trying to help people in this very difficult position. I am sorry that I am…21 May 2020HANSARDUnemployment: SupportI completely agree with the noble Lord that we must invest in young people’s future careers, and I take his point about the Future Jobs Fund. I can only reiterate what I have…21 May 2020HANSARDUnemployment: SupportThe noble Baroness asks about converting advances into grants. I am sorry to say that the Government have no plans to do that. On the five-week period, no one has to wait five…21 May 2020