Contributions
959 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCovid-19: Universal CreditThanks to universal credit’s modern, dynamic and agile system, it has effectively supported nearly 6 million people, with over 90% of new claimants receiving their first payment…25 Jan 2021HANSARDBenefits Recipients: Supported and Exempted HousingLocal authorities apply the “more than minimal” test as part of the process for determining housing benefit for supported accommodation. No assessment has been made of the…25 Jan 2021HANSARDBenefits Recipients: Supported and Exempted HousingThe hon. Lady is right to point out that work is under way in this policy area. The DWP Minister in the Lords remains responsible for the policy; she is offering to all MPs and…25 Jan 2021HANSARDCovid-19: Universal Credit Roll-outSince the start of the pandemic, the welfare safety net has been there to support nearly 6 million claimants. Parliament has voted for universal credit and to end legacy benefits.…25 Jan 2021HANSARDCovid-19: Universal Credit Roll-outI completely agree; universal credit is a modern, dynamic, agile and fairer welfare safety net, which, in the face of unprecedented demand, ensured that millions of people were…25 Jan 2021HANSARDCovid-19: Child PovertyAs I have said, the universal credit uplift is still in place for the remainder of this tax year. Discussions remain ongoing with Her Majesty’s Treasury, and a decision on the…25 Jan 2021HANSARDTopical QuestionsWe keep all policies under review, including the uplift to universal credit, which is under active discussion between our Department and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I would…25 Jan 2021HANSARDTopical QuestionsFirst, let me say that I appreciate that many people are facing financial disruption due to the pandemic, and the Government have put unprecedented levels of support in place. As…25 Jan 2021HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe qualifying period for support for mortgage interest is in place because it is reasonable for homeowners to make arrangements with their lenders, to manage any loss of income…25 Jan 2021HANSARDCovid-19: Child PovertyHer Majesty’s Treasury’s analysis has shown that the Government’s comprehensive £280 billion response to the pandemic, including a temporary and emergency £6 billion increase to…25 Jan 2021HANSARDCovid-19: Child PovertyWe are in active discussions with Her Majesty’s Treasury regarding the £20 universal credit uplift. No one in this House wants to see anyone in poverty. I understand the hon.…25 Jan 2021HANSARDCovid-19: Universal CreditThe universal credit system and tens of thousands of dedicated, incredible DWP staff have processed an unprecedented number of claims—over 3 million since mid-March. It is not…25 Jan 2021HANSARDCovid-19: Child PovertyWe take the issue of poverty, and tackling poverty, incredibly seriously, and as I made clear, active discussions are ongoing with Her Majesty’s Treasury. But I have to say that I…25 Jan 2021HANSARDUniversal Credit and Working Tax CreditThe reason I am here today responding to this debate is that I am the Minister responsible for universal credit and this is a debate about the £20 per week uplift to universal…18 Jan 2021HANSARDUniversal Credit and Working Tax CreditMy hon. Friend is absolutely right. Maintaining the uplift would cost a huge amount of money—somewhere in the region of £6 billion. But it is not just about that. Throughout this…18 Jan 2021HANSARDUniversal Credit and Working Tax CreditI thank the right hon. Gentleman for his intervention, but I do not think anybody is saying that. We are saying that the situation remains unclear, so the Chancellor of the…18 Jan 2021HANSARDUniversal Credit and Working Tax CreditI welcome today’s debate. It gives me the opportunity to highlight some of the unprecedented support that this Government have provided to people right across our country who have…18 Jan 2021HANSARDUniversal Credit and Working Tax CreditI thank my hon. Friend for that intervention. He is absolutely right that not just in his constituency, but in constituencies up and down the country, our Jobcentre Plus network…18 Jan 2021HANSARDUniversal Credit and Working Tax CreditI thank the Chairman of the Work and Pensions Committee for that intervention. I would be very happy to meet him, alongside the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, to…18 Jan 2021HANSARDUniversal Credit Claimants: Covid-19 SupportThroughout the pandemic, our covid-secure jobcentres have remained open to the most vulnerable in society who require face-to-face support. We have also introduced new processes…30 Nov 2020