Live Work and Pensions Questions House of Commons

Order, order! Questions to the Secretary of State for Work and

Pensions. Number one. Thank you Mr Speaker and with your permission I

would like to answer questions one, two, seven, 11 and 15 together.

Working age benefits are available for those not yet sure beach

statement eight. 81% of those affected would see a delay of one

year or last and for the rest the delay would be no more than 18

months. There are no plans for further transitional arrangements.

It is with ten and 14 rather than a 11 and 15, probably the result of

withdrawals of his officials rather than he, they did not take notes.

And 20 05, the commission say that the policy of significant notice of

any increase, of at least 15 years to be possible, to mitigate the

impact of sex changes I would argue the start of the 15 year process

should be the the beginning of the changes in 2010. That would mean

that we are effectively going to have a retirement age of 63 for

women of April this year and his department will therefore begin

smoothing that the increase of 63 and 66 22025. The equalization

measures of 2011 were introduced in the matter with expert guided to

ensure that we covered for the fact that there had to be a sustainable

pensions budget. Also it is important to remember that people

are living longer and would have to take that into account and that is

why we have to accelerate the issue. Thank you Mr Speaker the Minister

speaks often of equality when his department's policies have a

disproportionate impact of so many women in this country. Women born in

the 19 1950s will lose out under the single tier pension rules, should

the government not act now to opt as having a qualifying year if by

including the income of 200 or more jobs that that person's earnings are

equal to the earnings factor for that year? May I just remind

Honorable Lady of the record issues that we have achieved for female

employers. Employees. We now have record of female employment at the

rate of 69 Qiang 1%, there are 1 million more women and works as 2010

and a number of older women and work is that a record high level over

100,000 more older women and worked in was the case last year. The

people she refers to are all benefiting from measures I have just

sad. Thank you Mr Speaker and I hope the Minister will answer my

questions as he ignored my colleague. Would heap apologise

formally the utter shambles that his department has made of communicating

the changes and for the and accurate communication of branches the Mike

pensions. We learned over the weekend of the governing day when

A's still showing the women's pension age as 60. How does he

expect the public to have confidence in the ability since they have

failed so spectacularly Ely in communicating. The issue he refers

to is isolated and should be regarded as such. The matter has

been corrected and it is about time that he took on board all the other

arguments that have been raging about this particular issue rather

than one solitary individual mistake on a website that has been

corrected. Following these issues sums of money that we were talking

about when I was here in 1995 when we first announce these changes but

what my Honorable friend consider whether the government has taken

appropriate action in communicating these significant changes to women

so that they can make preparation for their retirement? And has been

clearly advertised on the website? May I just say to the honourable

gentleman that the initial changes were made in 1995 and until 2010,

when the Coalition government into place, there were at least ten

Labour pensions ministers. In one case he came back twice and amino

effort in terms of communication I want to put it on the record that as

far as the pensions act of 2011 is concerned, over 5 million people

were written to, women who would have been affected with the

addresses we had from HMRC. And information is available on the

government website for those who want to seek more information. Thank

you Mr Speaker. Many of the who we are talking about are caring for

elderly parents or grandchildren. Many have been working since they

were 15 years old and very few of them have significant pension

saving. Will the Minister give these women some help and look at

transitional arrangements. So that they can drop pension credit early

to help into this time. A concession was made in 2011 and at sacred

reading, the secretary of state said he would go away and think about

matters and he did and made a concession worth ?1.1 billion and

ensure that the two-year extension was reduced to 18 months. In the

case of 18 months, 81% of women affected will have to work no more

than 12 months. Thank you Mr Speaker. Over two points 6 million

woman will be hit by this change. More than 5000 in the Minister's own

constituency. Mr Speaker, the least they deserve is the fax to allow an

honest debate. We also know the government considered ?3 billion

worth of transitional protection but only allocated 1 billion as the

Minister outlined earlier. In a spirit of the open honesty debate,

will the Minister and now released details all options of transitional

protection to the government as the government has considered? Grabs the

apology should come from the honourable lady that there is no

element of communication when her people were in power for 13 years.

And let us not forget, precisely the honourable lady says 1995 and if she

recalled within two years it was a Labour government and they were

around for 13 years and as I said earlier on, ten pensions ministers

and there was no element. As far as the transitional arrangement is

concerned I responded to the lady earlier on when I responded that the

concession was made and it was worth over ?1 billion in the time period

was reduced. I'm not sure it really helps these ladies, some of whom

are... For both front benches to trade in. He the fact is that

everybody except there should be equalization. A widow came to see me

and she has worked hard all her life and she has no occupational pension,

she was going to lose up to ?55,000 and I deserve real blow for her, she

has very little saving. Is there way that we could look for more

transitional concessions to help some of these this advantage ladies?

My Honorable friend is absolutely right that we need to discuss this

in a measured way. But that means we need to look at things in a broad

context. There are a whole lot of other benefits that are available to

the women who may be affected. Jobseeker's allowance, implement and

support allowance, carers allowance, personal independence payments him

and let us not forget that there is a triple lock. There is the simple

by new State Pension coming in April, pension freedom which allows

those who have a penchant able to have some flexibility, and cold

weather payments, there is a permanent increase there. Over 12

million pensioners benefited from that last year and as far as being

mullah employment is concerned, I mentioned a number of benefits that

we brought in for them. So it is important Mr Speaker that we look at

things in a broad context rather than simply looking at people in a

narrow confines that people prefer to debate in this chamber at the

moment. The Minister excluding from his answer any matter which might in

any way or at anytime to any degree be judged to be material. We are

grateful them. The Minister talks about life expectancy but he is not

giving us up the full picture because life expectancy for women

fell in 2013 and female life expectancy in my constituency is

only 72 and healthy life expectancy is only 54. Can the Minister tell me

why shouldn't 1950s born women carry the burden of the equalization of

the state pension age when working till 66 will clearly be so difficult

for them? They need transitional arrangements. The general trend for

longevity is increasing. And as far as women are concerned, the new

State Pension will ensure that 650,000 women will be receiving more

excerpt or week and a live longer and over the longer run they will be

able to benefit a lot more. While I appreciate the motions are Hal --

while I appreciate the emotions are high on both sides of the House. The

Labour government did nothing to address this issue especially

knowing that they knew women were living a longer age. Will he agree

with me a triple lock, single rate flat rate pension will be better in

a long-running? It would be most fair and it will be worth

remembering that while we have such passionate comments coming up with

oral questions in the various debates we have on this issue, but

not one party, the SNP or the Labour Party but this measure in their

manifesto because that would cost just to reinstate the 1911 measure

-- 2011 measures, simply to reverse those would cost over ?30 billion.

And countless more billions if we went back to reversing 1995. It was

not in either manifesto and that is where they should be mine. He --

mine. He -- mindful. Over half a million in the past year and by two

points 7 million since 2010. Thank you Mr Speaker, the secretary of

state join me in welcoming the unemployment rate has fallen by 48%

since 2010. Would you further agree that the roll-out of universal

credit that came to me on the 25th of January is a part of our wealth

were reformed to make sure everybody can benefit from work. I say to my

Honorable friend that it provides important incentives people need to

get back into work. Evidence shows the least few weeks ago, universal

claimants would spend longer time in appointment and it will earn more

then in the jobseeker's allowance. Universal credit has been ruled out

across the whole County of Kent. Used Bell long-term unemployment is

down by over a third, but does my right honourable friend agree with

me that we cannot be complacent and there is important community

initiatives such as into, back to, install. That takes local small

business to help even more young people and an implied back into

work? I commend to my Honorable friend for working with those

organizations and he is looking with me about that in the past and we

have had a huge amount of progress take place in this area as worth

noting. What we were doing with reforms and organizations like his,

that used the claimant has been the lowest level since the mid-19 70s

and doesn't unemployment are down. Most important lead those who are

not in full-time education, the unemployment rate for them as

5-point a present which is pretty near the lowest it has ever been. We

will continue on, but this is good evidence of welfare reform working.

2011, the Secretary of State did a press release that said the

universal credit is progressing well with 30% of the new technology

required to deliver it now complete. Will the Secretary of State state

what is now the portion of IT that is completed? It will nearly be

complete and it will be complete in the roll-out nationally before April

as I said the last time he asked the same question. But it is always good

to the old ones, it is always best. It is progressing well and he is

welcome to visit. In Worchester, unemployment is down since it peaked

under the last Labour government, but how can we go further to

illuminate youth unemployment and I will youth apprenticeships play

goal? I say to my Honorable friend that there are two elements to the.

We introduced, the work experience programme which has been hugely

successful in getting young people back into work, before when you came

and you could only take work expands in the job centre for two weeks but

now we increase it to two months and three months if you get a chance at

an apprenticeship Those with orcas grants have gone back to work in the

huge increase that we are now planning for apprenticeships that

will be scale our young people and sure that the work they do is high

skilled, high valued and well-paid. Number four Sir. With respect to Mr

Speaker four and 11. This strategy marks our commitment to transforming

children's lives by tackling the root call causes and educational

attainment and family breakdown and addiction. Am grateful for the reply

in my constituency it is very important the high levels of

deprivation often leads to the House. What more can -- will help.

I commend him because his huge work that he does tightly in his consist

to the mic and ... I commend him for it. He knows that we introduced a

new programme called that for work which is to help employees facing

long-term sickness get back into work sooner and help employers

rather than just allowing people to follow away having difficulties to

actually get them properly assessed so occupational health can look at

them. That will help introduce a new way of looking at people to keep

them in work because the health department now agrees that it is

part of the help treatment and that is what the white paper will be

talked about when I bring it forward shortly. Will my Honorable friend

agree that family stability is hugely important to life chances and

will the update bows on what his department is doing to strengthen

family support services? I agree with my friend and it has our he

done a huge amount to try to get better advice and support for those

who are thinking about breaking up. We invested over 30 million into

relationship support over last parliament and that meant 160,000

people had access to preventive support. As the prime minister

announced recently, we are doubling that funding to 78 million and the

light chancellor strategy includes the whole really important part of

strengthening and stabilising. As he has taught the House the

fundamentally important of life chances for children being

determined before they are five, might I ask him if he brings word

and debate in Government time, so we can look at how this policy of it is

developing so views of the House might be taken into account before

the government publishes its white paper in spring and summer? Am happy

the door is open the chairman of the select committee. He has had a huge

part to blame the. I know one recommendation he made is legitimate

is Dunn we are looking about that the moment I will be happy to

discuss it further with you. There is increasing inequality across

society if you are disabled and need access to aid and adaptation. If you

can afford to buy them, you are fine but there is a real postcode lottery

to aid in adaptation. Is it not unfair to look at AIDS and

adaptations and assessments for pets. Will the Secretary of State

withdraw adaptations and eight as part of the pit assessment? I have

to say to the Honorable lady that we are consulting what necessary

changes to aides and adaptations to make sure the support as necessary

and always bound into the personal independence behind gives to those

who need it most. That is the critical bit, all of us sure want to

make sure that people get the support they need for the things

that they need most to help them get by. I am very happy to talk further

to her if she wishes, the door is always of inter and always has been.

If you want to see me then I would like to discuss with her. The right

honourable gentleman would be aware that the index published over the

weekend, and he will share my concern of children growing up in

the Orange city area will have the lowest chances in life. Our ambition

for the children of nor age should be the highest possible and what

can't we do locally to combat the. There is a huge amount that can be

done locally, one thing that universal credit has is universal

support. This is now being trialed with a lot of councils and we are

doing there is try to look at families with greatest difficulty

and involve the councils and looking to get financial support to them in

areas where they might have drug or alcohol abuse to help them sort that

out so that as they get special pavements, at the same time we are

expressing the mind expecting councils to work with as subproblems

are put right and said being ignored and looked aside. In terms of life

chances, ... Can the Minister provide an update of removing the 28

day waiting room that are transferring from DLA to the IP?

We're actually looking at that and I will give him a full answer to that

in full course. Thank you Mr Speaker and my Honorable friend is

absolutely right, poverty affects life chances. And disabled people

are twice as likely to be living in poverty than the non-disabled

population. We also know from the own figures that disabled people on

IAB are more likely to die than the population as a whole. Is my

Honorable friend mentioned, the recent consultation reviewing

eligibility for independence payment is two years after it was

introduced, we there are more cuts to disabled people on top of the

proposed cut in ?23.8 billion that has been taken from disabled people

as part of the 2012 welfare act. With 5.1 million disabled people

living in poverty, Mr Speaker, what is the government's estimate of how

many more disabled people will be living in poverty as a result of

these measures? I would say to the honourable lady that even though you

create a new benefit and I believe it is a better benefit the

disability living allowance and it is far better than for mental health

problems, you have to keep a benefit like that under review to make sure

the money you allocate goes to those who most need it. She knows there

was a recent court case that widened the whole element of Dunn and ensure

that fewer people got the kind of money they needed it. They answer is

very simple. The Independence plan is far better and deliver exactly

what we expected those who need it most and our job here is to support

those who need it. And honestly, the government she was part of, and

power, did absolutely nothing to sort out the mess of disability

living allowance in the whole time they were there. Number five Mr

Speaker. Providing people have at least ten national... And then they

would have already built up under the current system. The truth is

under the government new pension system pensioners will lose money.

Why did they turn its face against its own solution which is -- simpler

solution. I think it is important... That many people have contracted

out. And a small portion of the National Insurance has actually gone

towards a work pension or a private pension and if they add up the new

State Pension with their other pension, which was paid for by

national contribution. They would actually be better off than the

amount the new State Pension would be at ?155. Is it not the case that

the new State Pension will remove ... One of the other things to note

is that as of April of this year a new State Pension and the triple

lock him up he will be ?1000 better off than they would have been under

the old system whereby the pensions were operated. The triple lock is

going to benefit people by ?1000 by April of this year. Number six are.

To a reduction to occupancy is reduced by 18% since the

introduction of this policy. It has already saved the taxpayer 1

billion. We would ever be maintaining this policy and continue

take. But that is by no means the worst affected region as a ripple

the back of result. My constituency just one of four and those affected

have been able to downsize says that three years that the policy came in.

The government's on research that three quarters of people hit by the

bedroom tax have had to cut back on food and 46% have had to cut back on

eating. What steps will be minister Tate would make sure that those

people who are unable to downsize their homes are not left cold and

hungry? The 800 and ?700 million of discretionary housing payments that

have been set aside the one and for who. 1.7 million on the housing

waiting list. What guidance has been made available to local authorities

on the use of discretionary housing payments so that we can make sure

that exceptional cases such as warehouses have been adapted for

disability can benefit from the additional money? I think my

Honorable friend for raising that point. It provides the flexibility

to allow local authorities to work with organizations like the police,

social services, medical professionals, and so the council

scampering local services together and maybe that's central government

would not be able to do to ensure that no one falls through the

cracks. Last week ruling that the bedroom tax discriminate against

disabled people falls hard on the heels of a ruling in November that

the inclusion of allowance and the benefits cap also discriminates

against disabled people. Why want the government just do the same on

the bedroom tax and end discrimination against disabled

pupils? It was about whether it is possible to find exceptions where

were the discretionary housing payments give the right flexibility.

We don't want to create an artificial mind that some people

will just fall underneath and not be able to get his support. The fund is

giving that flexibility to work with different agencies. With 1.7 million

people on the housing waiting list, 241,000 families will be able to

free up arms. That is. The is currently investigating the UK for

systematic. Minister should be a shame that the UK is the first

countries to face such an investigation. Does the Minister

agree that scrapping the bedroom tax is the best thing that the

government could do to bring its policy into line with articles nine

and 20 of the convention, which insured accessibility for disabled

people and adequate standard of living and social protection. We are

proud of our record. We refute the allegations of that investigation. I

will not abandon those 241,000 families and 1.7 million on the

housing waiting list. They want us to do this and we will carry on

doing it. Does my Honorable friend agree that what affects of this

policy is that it serves taxpayers. Is it incumbent to explain where

they would find money from. Over the course of this Parliament that would

deliver a saving of ?2.5 billion. I suspect they will be waiting a long

time to get an alternative from the benches opposite. Thank you Mr

Speaker. And the light of lax week court of appeal ruling. Could the

Minister tell us how many victims of domestic violence the bedroom tax

currently discriminate against and what it would cost to exempt them? I

don't believe it discriminates. . As a government we have tripled the

amount of support for those victims, and I think that all the people

across this house but agreed. The court of appeals said that he do

discriminate. It also said that the government admitted that it

discriminated against those victims. I am sure the Minister knows the

answer to my question. It is 280 victims of domestic violence. It

would cost around ?200,000 to exempt them. Would he tell me how much it

is going to cost them instead to try and defeat those victims in the

Supreme Court? Is it more or less than the cost of accepting them? --

exempting them. Some people don't fall for anything artificial mind.

But this is so wrong then why did the benches opposite it not

introduced as? At his right to make sure that nobody needs the support

that a vulnerable side is given the right support. Question eight please

Mr Speaker. This government will triple lock the basic and new state

pension top of income to a guarantee minimum level for the poorest

pensioners, and protect benefits for older people including free eye

tests, NHS prescriptions, bus passes, television licenses for

those aged 75 and over, and winter fuel payments. I think the Minister

for his response. My constituents being over age of 65, this compares

to a national average of 70%, this is welcome indeed. What step is the

government taking to ensure the pensioners claim all of the state

entitlements? I could assure him that this government uses a wide

range of channels for pension credit, we believe what are the best

ways to reach people is through community partners and we provide a

web based pension played Democrats credit to. Information and leaflets

and other benefits are also available from the Department's

offices, advise agencies, local authorities, as well as post offices

and doctors surgeries. Information about all of these benefits and how

they may be claimed is on the F .uk website.

We have got to the women who have been served a real injustice by this

conservative government. We also know there is a group of women from

1856 who will miss out on the new state pension benefits also. What

has this minister brought against women from the 1950s? Mr Speaker,

the Honorable gentleman has a problem in understanding things. I'm

going to do this very subject. As a consequence of the triple lock which

means that pensioners out there well get the higher of inflation or

earnings were the 2.5%, they will have an increased which will ensure

that when the new state pension comes into play in April as a

consequence of that they will have 1000 more pounds per year then under

the old system. He should remember that Gordon Brown who insulted

pensioners but a 75 pence rise. We are not taking any lectures from

outside of the House as to who really cares about pensioners.

Number nine Mr Speaker. The effect of the work allowance is a part of a

broader package. It increases a tax allowance, and allows childcare

support. The single table rate of 65% ensures the benefits are clear

and that support is withdrawn at a predictable and consistent rate I

might as it exists at the moment under tax credit. The government was

forced into a climb-down over tax credit cut, but it was only a

temporary reprieve because cuts to the working allowance meant the 2.5

million families will be ?1600 per year worse off by 2020. How can he

say that he is making work pay when it is Lope, working families who are

paying the price of his guards? I disagree with the Honorable Lady.

The universal credit already do that independent studies of the people

who are going to work faster, and sing and work longer, and end at the

micro progress faster and earnings. He cannot take this in isolation.

The national minimum wage is raising some ?9. Under universal credit, is

that of 17% of childcare costs, women will get 85% of childcare

costs, free child care for two-year-old, and childcare support

free for three and four-year-olds. The total package it's usually been

officials for people who want to work, and that is why it our record

will only improve as we get more people back to work rather than the

last government record he was shocking. One in five households had

nobody and work. It is good to see the secretary of state here to

answer questions. According to the government's own advisers, some

working families and those countries will be ?210 per week worse off as a

vehicle of cuts to universal credit. Someone on the minimum wage working

full-time. It's to work an extra 30 hours a week to make up the

difference. We know the -- they are claiming that the conservative

parting as the party of work, did he mention that it is 70 hours a week

for the love of space? It takes no care was to sit there with a leader

who talks about getting into bed with all sorts of exhibits. I find

that takes no courage whatsoever. Let me say to him about universal

credit, while we are at it, Guy I see my opposite number SHOUTING

On the benches opposite that he has under tax credit right now which is

why his figures don't add up when circumstances change people actually

have lower payments. The difference between us and the Labour Party is

that we have cash protected through transitional protection when people

move off tax credits universal credit, they will suffer no loss.

Number 13 Mr Speaker. Thank you Mr Speaker. Supported by this

government perform to welfare and equalization of the state pension

age, the earn out more women and work than ever before. It is for

vital that women have had children have the option to go back and they

want to. What steps is the Minister taking to make sure that her

department encourages that? My Honorable friend is absolutely

right. And encouraging more women back into work, this government is

committed to increasing and providing more childcare. I am going

out to speak with and... Increasing the national living wage. The

increasing and national allowance that is more support from woman to

get back into work longer hours. This is a special category of women,

women on the autistic spectrum, who find it very difficult to get into

employment. With the right kind of support they can make a very

valuable contribution to our economy. Could she look at people

who were trying to be employed with autism quiz we all of we are working

with that organisation. I have seen the national autistic Society as

Ball to discuss what more we can do to work with employers and find

employment engagement for people on the stretcher. He is absolutely

right to highlight the need for more support for women with autism. That

is exactly what this government is committed to do. Increasing the

number of women employment is a key goal for this government. Lots of

good things are happening. One area and my constituency that needs more

work is helping people who aren't on ESA backed into employment. In this

context, would she join me in getting things to a part of SIDS led

by the county Council was together with organizations is making a huge

difference to the last of individuals who are covered to work

for the first time. I think my idol fans are making that point. He is

right to say that there is more support that can be provided for

women on ESA. Also for people who are on ESA in general as well. That

is why this government is committed to these reforms that we have

outlined. In terms of working in partnership with other

organizations, charitable organizations as well as local

parties. What is the Minister doing to help women on zero hours context

to get tax credits? I would say to the honourable gentleman that the

most important thing that we have done as a government is to abolish

the exclusivity clauses which his party did nothing about. More and

more people are taking on caring responsibilities. Can I think the

Minister for meeting with me and care as a resource for my

constituency about this particular issue. Does she agree with me that

it is important that more employers have more carer friendly employment

practices if we need to do more to encourage that to happen so that we

get the best that affect people. Will the government do something

ensure that she recognises the success of those employers that are

carer friendly? I think my Honorable friend. He is absolutely right. It

is with great pleasure that I met carriers resource on the Cinemas

constituency. To support more women with caring responsibilities to get

employment. But also to work with employers to do more to support

getting people into work, carers and particular. I look forward to

working with the honourable gentleman and carriers to in his

constituency to look at what they can do locally. Number 15 Mr

Speaker. The commission I will answer questions 15 and 21. Fergus

households are at their lowest level. -- work less households.

Fewer children are going up in hostels were that her work is. Every

family has someone who is in work. The best way out of poverty offers a

great role model for any children out of. Giving children stability

and security they need, have the best legends as possible. I agree

with my Honorable friend. We know that unemployment is a cause of

family breakdown. Having a family member and work poster make a strong

and stable family which is crucial for providing children with the best

art and life. It is most welcome at the number of work less households

in the East Midlands, which he hugely represents, has fallen by

68,006 he came into power. I remind him and the House that despite all

the nonsense on the other side, when they left office some 2.5 million

children grew up in work less households. That is not a record.

Will my right honourable friend went with me in welcoming the wood touch

it and work less households by over 50,000 since 2010 in the South East.

Does he share by dismaying that in party opposite still set against

welfare reform and want a high tax and high spending economy to take us

back to the pre--2010 days. It is a strong endorsement of the reforms

that the number of workers households is down by such a large

number and the South East. Since 2010, the claimant count has fallen

60%,. I must say to him that he should not be too unkind to the

opposition, because I know that many of them who are not now on the front

bench actually think they should be engaging and welfare reform, but

their new leadership does not bleed and that. Many thanks Mr Speaker.

What assessment has the department made for lower the barriers faced by

household with disability and accessing work and what does what he

put in place to address these? We are increasing the number of

advisors and job centres to help and we are also training advisers far

better. There is a huge amount of money coming into helping train

advises to be able to look at the wider perspective. The picture for

those who have difficulties to get into work and support them and work.

It is important to note that the universal credit opens a door to a

much better package of support and care, because the advises don't need

them. Instead of getting a tax credit where they don't see anybody,

when the go into what they will be able to go back and see the same

advisor and talk to them if they have a problem. This is a huge

positive step, and I congratulate her for asking that question topical

questions. Doctor Rupe a hawk. Thank you Mr Speaker. Topical number one.

I can announce to the House that we are. We will be testing the use of

personal budgets. These will allow disabled people who shoot old -- who

receive grants. Stay in work and to help them start work, or even start

a business. Thank you Mr Speaker. Last week the bedroom tax was

declared unlawful in the court of appeals for discriminating against

domestic violence victims and disabled children, yet the

government said to spend more on the -- appealing the decision. Surely

the Minister must agree that that is poor value to the taxpayer and this

policy needs to go. I have to say that the Honorable lady needs to

check her lines before she makes a statement like that. The truth is

that that was not what the court of appeals of last week. The debate is

whether or not we should isolate individual groups and throw them out

of a benefit system, or the bit to local authorities with extra monies.

We absolutely believe that the local authority is quite capable with

extra money that we are giving them the discretionary housing payments

to allow people to be able to stay there where they think that is

necessary without limitation. The thing I really wonder about is that

they never talk about those who they left and overcrowded homes on

waiting lists, and unable to get a decent home. They were the ones that

introduces policy and because follow through. Can the secretary of State

give some indication of when he will publish the draft regulations for 18

to 21-year-olds. Did he give an indication of whether she will look

sympathetically at exempting from those regulations those who cannot

live safely in their neighbourhoods because of sexual abuse, overcrowded

housing, or gang-related activity. We will be publishing of those

shortly. I am happy to discuss those elements because there always are

exemptions for those most in need, and I am happy to discuss those --

that would have. Last week the government was significantly

defeated in the House of Lords over their plans to cut the benefits of

sick and disabled people. More than half the people in the group have a

mental health condition. They face barriers getting into work as a

result of their condition and often stigma from employers. Pull the

Secretary of states now accept how unfair and ineffective this proposed

cut is in Debian and abandon it? All I would say to the honourable lady

is when it comes to ESA and the changes that we are making, no one

will lose out as of this change. There will be no cash losers. This

work is reflected on the point that the secretary of state made that

this government is focused on the supporting those on ESA in a way

that the previous Labor government did not win the introduced the work

and ability assessment. That is why be kept that to review and also the

publication of a white paper in the spring was to look at the further

reforms that will come. Thank you very much Mr Speaker. As chairman of

the all party group, will my right honourable friend join me and the

work with. How is are they supporting those

with MS. I thank my Honorable friend for that. I would like to join him

in pain should be for the fantastic work of the MS Society. Only two

weeks ago I was at the branches 50th anniversary. A huge number of

volunteers across the country are making. For employers and fleas. A

Yankee for this to be highlighted and that best practices be shared

with other organizations. Thank you Mr Speaker. The Minister's latest

proposal is a further blow to disabled people who have been

amongst the hardest hit by the UK government austerity measure. I know

from my constituents who are experienced delays that the

assessment process is not yet working. Will the Minister abandon

these latest proposals that will narrow the eligibility of benefits

for disabled people, and instead focus on getting this part of the

process right rather than having complex changes which reduce the

support available to disabled people? We have ongoing groups

following the review. We urge determined to get a consistent

policy. The length of time for an assessment has fallen by three

quarters since June 14. It is now down to five weeks for assessments.

That has been a settled position for quite some time now. Job fairs are

an effective way for local employers to promote their partnerships. A key

element of this governments economic plan. Will my minister join me in

supporting -- making the point of the great work

that is taking place and his own constituency. I endorsed the amount

of commitment that he has for having apprenticeships and job fairs,

because they are the gateway to getting new jobs and employment

opportunities for many young people. I commend them for the work that he

is doing in his own exigency. Can I ask the Minister if people speed of

the review process for benefit claimants whose claims have been

investigated. I have had a number of constituencies -- constituents of

over the Chris's period that have ended up having to borrow money.

After the Chris's period as well. And that it actually happened. There

are now both available immediately. If somebody has been sanctioned they

are immediately told about hardship loans. That is advertised and said

the job centre. The delay times have fallen to the lowest level. If he

has individual cases where that has happened, write to us immediately or

give us a call and we will help solve that immediately. Will my

right honourable friend congratulate team plastics and other

manufacturing firms which are creating new jobs and

apprenticeships. Can he help to turn job centres into recruitment

agencies for better skilled roles. There is no doubt working the job

centre plus that there is a great deal of work that has taken place to

support local farms like a team plastics when it comes to recruiting

new employees, but also supporting a skills bus but -- base. Last week

the government suffered another embarrassing defeat in the House of

Lords on the proposal to cut ESA back support. This believe many

disabled people and a difficult financial position. Despite what has

been said, will the secretary of state re-examine the argument and

commit that's no one will lose out on this critical financial support?

That we remind the honourable lady that's no one currently on ESA will

lose out on the changes. Importantly, we are a government

focused on supporting individuals that have held conditions and are on

ESA. That is why those who are a need will automatically go to a

support group. Job centres is especially important for those who

do not have the necessary support at home. Does my right honourable

friend agree that in addition to the youth obligation there should be an

obligation of job centres to offer more special support? My Honorable

friend raises an important point that job centres have a very

important role to play here. In terms of providing support for young

people, which is why we have just starting a pilot taking job centre

plus with employers into schools to act as a gateway to provide new

employment opportunities in markets with opportunities, and work

placement opportunities as well. He has also made the point that the new

youth obligation focuses on making sure that young people are either

earning or learning, and that they don't end up trapped in the benefits

system which is what happened to the Labor government. We have already

heard that DWP have changes afoot in relation to benefits for people with

disabilities, not least the narrow ring of EAP. Isn't the case that

ministers are hoping to extend that Northern Ireland as well using the

direct route as has the same -- which is until the end of the

calendar year? We have no place to do that. Mr Speaker. Following on

from the comments around the changes to ESA a rag and the ball having

dashboards having past that. I am excited to see the context of the

white paper. Kenny minister give us any deal at all for what any cost

recognition there may be for claimant in the future. I think my

Honorable friend for her point and question. I come back Mr Speaker to

the comments I made earlier on. The changes that we are making

particularly to the welfare reform and workflow, shows that we are

committed to changing peoples lives by supporting more people with

disabilities and barriers to work. This means increased funding support

as well for those with help conditions and disabilities by 50%.

We will be bringing the sport and any work and health programme. With

the Minister agreed to work in the case of my constituents who has home

dialysis three times a week, but is also trying hard to keep his job to

support his family. He has been turned down twice, and I wondered if

the Minister feels like I do that if a person has been receiving dialysis

it seems to be that he is able to receive the payment. I would be

happy to look at this case with the honourable lady and see what support

we can provide her constituents. She makes an important point that he

wants to work and a should be supported just day and employment as

well. Thank you Mr Speaker. Next month I look forward to welcoming my

friend the Minister for disabled people to North Devon for an event.

Would he agree with me that these are really important events not only

for people with disabilities to bring them closer to the world of

work, but for the employers as well who don't realise what an untapped

talent there is. I think my Honorable friend. I am excited about

going to visit his constituency to support his events, and I would like

to pay tribute to the other 48 MPs who came to our event last week to

have committed to hold their own and their own constituencies.

Proposals that we will bring forward a make absolute certain that all of

those who suffer rape will not buy themselves put upon themselves by

the proposal. To support steps the government taking it all employees

are fully informed our of the new pensions. I can assure my noble

friend of the government is working closely with the pension regulator

to assure small employees of informed of the changes coming on.

On the facilities of the regular has are easy and simple to use for a lot

of people and also off-line leaflets and so on, I made as easy as

possible. The government has agreed to remove the 20 day waiting rule

for terminally ill people transferring to pick for those

unable to afford to travel to love once in a word about bills in the

final mix it cannot come soon enough. Can you update us on

progress? I like to pay tribute to the Honorable member for Sheffield

that I remember from other places for contract work in this area,

something I'm delighted to fully support. In parliament we intend

make regulations and we will write shortly to update the timetable.

Will DWP ministers hold a discussion quite urgently with other ministers

about the conservative manifests cap a very large redundancy payments.

Are you aware of serious concerns that by including early retirement

and the capping scheme we may penalise long serving but low paid

public employees by a measure rightly intended to limit undeserved

golden goodbyes to very highly paid? This is a matter of the tragedy. I'm

very happy to undertake such discussions. If you would like to

add this extra information to this I would be glad to take it. Half of

those receiving employments from Scotland qualified from a mental

health problem. Database might constituency. It finds to blend with

the work activity group report inappropriate expectations put upon

them make their mental unless worse. Does the Minister agree that this

would be exacerbated by government's changes? I think the Honorable Lady

that she is wrong. This government has invested more than ever before

than other previous governments to provide financial support and pilot

new projects as well, to make sure that those who have mental health

challenges and problems are given the right kind of support. I think

we should make the distinction here Mr Speaker that this is not about

the financial support, it is about the about the wider support of they

get their DWP through the networks in the community to help them get

work. I welcome the news that nine of ten businesses started with new

enterprise allowance support from five to 12 months. Can is to update

us on further progress for job seekers looking to start their own

business? I think my friend for how to integrate work of the results of

the NEA in particular what is been outstanding and supporting more and

more people for people starting businesses. There's support going to

mental help to engage those individuals who want to start up

their businesses and have more reviews coming, but I think whole

house can join me in committing the success of this particular programme

and how it has enabled people to get on the life and set up their own

businesses and become successful. Urgent question. To ask his

Secretary of State for house if you'll make a statement on what

steps are being taken to improve the financial situation of NHS trusts.

They you Mr Speaker, the house and know that the NHS as that of its

plans for the next five years. Because of our strong economy, this

government has built to honour that request and will be fun to get in