Contributions
959 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDHousing Benefit: Supported Exempt AccommodationAlthough we recognise there are problem areas, it is worth noting that the majority of supported housing is provided by well-run registered social landlords with a strong social…30 Nov 2020HANSARDHousing Benefit: Supported Exempt AccommodationLocal authorities apply the minimal test for determining housing benefit for supported accommodation. No assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the more than minimal…30 Nov 2020HANSARDUniversal Credit and Working Tax Credit ReductionsFirst, I do not recognise those figures and certainly nobody is making that case. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has confirmed the universal credit uplift until March 2021, and…30 Nov 2020HANSARDTopical QuestionsFirst, let me say that I appreciate that many people are facing financial disruption due to the pandemic, and the Government have put an unprecedented package of support in place.…30 Nov 2020HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe universal credit system has risen to the challenge, going up from 2.2 million to 5.8 million claimants. That is why we have this modern, agile, dynamic system. It has…30 Nov 2020HANSARDTopical QuestionsOur £170 million covid winter grant scheme will enable local authorities to support vulnerable households this winter with food and key utilities. As the Secretary of State has…30 Nov 2020HANSARDUniversal Credit and Working Tax Credit ReductionsAnalysis from Her Majesty’s Treasury shows that the Government’s interventions have supported the poorest working households the most, with those in the bottom 10% of the income…30 Nov 2020HANSARDUniversal Credit Claimants: Covid-19 SupportMy hon. Friend is absolutely right, and he is a huge advocate and supporter of his local jobcentre. We have made all our jobcentres covid-secure, including Harrogate, by…30 Nov 2020HANSARDCoronavirus Outbreak: DWP ResponseI thank the Work and Pensions Committee for its report, which provides important scrutiny of the Department, and our response to the coronavirus outbreak. I thank all hon. Members…26 Nov 2020HANSARD Universal Credit: Effect of Child Element on Separated ParentsThe hon. Gentleman hits the nail on the head when he says that these situations are extremely complex. Every family is different. In the vast majority of cases, families come to…04 Nov 2020HANSARD Universal Credit: Effect of Child Element on Separated ParentsMy understanding is that that is not the case, but I think that if the hon. Gentleman and I sat down with officials from the Department, it would give him a level of comfort about…04 Nov 2020HANSARD Universal Credit: Effect of Child Element on Separated ParentsIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Murray, on your first occasion in the Chair. I thank the hon. Member for Chesterfield (Mr Perkins) for securing a debate on…04 Nov 2020HANSARD Universal Credit: Effect of Child Element on Separated ParentsWe have provided £180 million in discretionary housing payments this year; that is an additional £40 million in this financial year. We deliberately do not give prescriptive…04 Nov 2020HANSARDLegacy Benefits and Universal CreditI absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. Universal credit is designed to support people into work. It supports those who need help and is fair to everyone who pays for it.…19 Oct 2020HANSARDLegacy Benefits and Universal CreditMy Department continually reviews its processes and the service it provides to claimants using a long-standing test and learn approach. In July, we introduced a two-week run-on of…19 Oct 2020HANSARDChild Poverty: Covid-19I will look carefully at the points that the hon. Lady raises, but I stress that this Government have implemented an unprecedented support package, including the job retention…19 Oct 2020HANSARDChild Poverty: Covid-19The two-child policy in universal credit is one of fundamental fairness, and it means that those who are in receipt of benefits should be in the same position as those who are…19 Oct 2020HANSARDChild Poverty: Covid-19This Government’s unprecedented support package has supported the poorest working households the most, with Her Majesty’s Treasury’s analysis showing that the poorest 10% of…19 Oct 2020HANSARDCovid-19 Support: EligibilityDuring the pandemic, several economic support measures have been announced by the Chancellor, including supporting the retention of 9.6 million jobs through the furlough scheme.…19 Oct 2020HANSARDBenefit Overpayments: Covid-19It is right that those claimants who owe the Department money are able to resume payments to reduce their debt. We continue to apply a flexible approach to recovery and endeavour…19 Oct 2020