Contributions
1,535 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Department for Work and PensionsI congratulate the Chair of the Select Committee, my hon. Friend the Member for Oldham East and Saddleworth (Debbie Abrahams), on securing today’s debate and on all the work that…30 Jun 2026HANSARDJob Opportunities: Rural AreasThe question was about rural areas. It might be interesting and helpful for the hon. Member to reflect how under the last Government the number of jobs in agriculture—a key sector…29 Jun 2026HANSARDUniversal Credit: People in EmploymentYes, I am very happy to meet the hon. Gentleman.29 Jun 2026HANSARDJob Opportunities: Rural AreasThe employment rate is 78.4% in rural areas, compared with 74.8% in urban areas, with job opportunities in agriculture, forestry, fishing, and scientific and technical sectors.…29 Jun 2026HANSARDUniversal Credit: People in EmploymentThe Department publishes data on universal credit and keeps labour market trends under review. In January 2026, 3.1 million people were on universal credit in employment,…29 Jun 2026HANSARDUniversal Credit: People in EmploymentI acknowledge what my hon. Friend says and I commend him for his work on the Right to Food UK Commission. I know that many people who work very hard doing important work in…29 Jun 2026HANSARDChild PovertyI thank my hon. Friend for her interest in this area. Through our child poverty strategy, we are already taking substantial action, including the expansion of free school meals…29 Jun 2026HANSARDChild PovertyLike my hon. Friend, I am very proud of what the child poverty strategy will deliver. It may be worth reflecting on what the Chancellor said about child poverty at the end of last…29 Jun 2026HANSARDChild PovertyThe hon. Lady raises a very important point. The child poverty strategy is a 10-year strategy. We are very clear that, as Ministers across Government, we need to be looking at all…29 Jun 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsI agree with the hon. Gentleman’s comments about the excellent DWP officials in our area. Youth hubs will be in areas where we are working with, say, sports clubs and other…29 Jun 2026HANSARD Access to Work SchemeIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairwomanship, Mrs Harris. I congratulate the hon. Member for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe (David Chadwick) on securing this important debate…15 Apr 2026HANSARD Access to Work SchemeI am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising that case. The Minister for Social Security and Disability, my right hon. Friend the Member for East Ham (Sir Stephen Timms), has…15 Apr 2026HANSARD Access to Work SchemeI fully appreciate that the case is not unique, and that far too many people are not getting the service we want them to have through Access to Work. I will say a little about…15 Apr 2026HANSARD Access to Work SchemeThe Department for Work and Pensions will always be looking at and evaluating the schemes we have, and what the cost is if a scheme is not available to people, so that work will…15 Apr 2026HANSARDIncomes and Living Standards: Statistics ReleaseThe Department for Work and Pensions has today published its annual statistics on incomes and living standards covering 2024-25—the last three months of the previous Government as…26 Mar 2026HANSARDCrisis and Resilience FundThis Government recognise that greater certainty helps local authorities to design and deliver sustainable plans for local welfare. As announced by the Chancellor as part of the…25 Mar 2026HANSARDChild Poverty: Bolton North EastUnder the last Government an additional 900,000 children became part of the child poverty statistics, but as a result of our Child Poverty Strategy, published in December, 550,000…09 Mar 2026HANSARDChild Poverty: Bolton North EastReducing child poverty is a moral imperative for us all, and for this Government in particular. We know that growing up in poverty damages children’s health, education and future…09 Mar 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsWith the Minister for Skills now working jointly across the DFE and DWP, we have very clear collaboration. We have already launched eight youth guarantee trailblazers, which are…09 Mar 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsMy hon. Friend is exactly right. This is why we need to ensure that jobcentres have really good engagement with local employers, including manufacturers. She will be pleased to…09 Mar 2026