Live Work and Pensions Questions House of Commons

order, order! I beg to move that Mr Speaker to issue his warrant to the

clerk of the ground to make out a new rate for the electing of a

member to serve in this present Parliament for the borough

constituency of old West and Loyden in the move of the right honourable

Michael Hulme each are deceased. The question is that I do issue my

warrant to the clerk of the crown to make out a new rent for the electing

of a member to serve in the present Parliament for the constituency of

Golden West and right and in the room of the right honourable Michael

Q Meijer, deceased. I think the eyes have it.

Questions to be Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mr John Mann.

Question number one Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, the department itself does

not give advice regulated for national advice can only be given

high and financial conduct authority authorised advisor. Pension wise,

set up by the government, offers free impartial governance to people

aged over 50 with defined contribution pensions. So far over

20,000 people have received a guidance appointment since April

2015. One 2000, Mr Speaker is a drop in the ocean considering the

enormity of of the changes. How is the government going to ensure that

pensioners are getting good sound advice and quantify that they are in

order they do not get ripped off by people advising them badly and

therefore losing out in future years. May I bring the honourable

gentleman into the 21st Century by saying that as far as the pension

wise website is concerned, there have been over 1.5 million visits to

that. We are confident that we will continue to make sure the public are

aware of what pension wise have to say and people can access the

website or have face to face telephone or online interviews.

There has a growing number of inquiries from women in their early

60s who seem to be unaware of the changes to the retirement age. I am

worried that these ladies have not been contacted by the relevant

department and seem to be unaware that their retirement date is going

to be rather later than they have imagined. What can be done to help

them? My honourable friend raises a very good point. Can I put on the

record the facts and circumstances business bigger between April 2009

and March 2011. The department mailed all women born between April

1950 in April 1953 informing them of their state pension age under the

1995 pensions act. Following the 2011 changes the department road to

all individuals directly affected to inform them of the change to their

state pension age. Many of these individuals do to reach this age

were completed between January 20 12th and November 2013. Thank you

very much Mr Speaker. Ministers opposite will be aware of the recent

DWP select committee report which contains stark warnings of pension

scams since the advent of pensions freedom. The risk of people being

conned out of their life savings as well. I am sure the ministers

opposite wall so be aware of the recent survey showing one 7/55,

around 1 million people, have been targeted by pensions gams since

April when the pensions freedoms were introduced. Cammy Minister

reassure the House the takes of the DWP report and finding of the survey

very seriously and I would like to know what the government intends to

do to tax people from fraudsters. Can I answer the honourable

gentleman that we do take this issue very seriously. That is why we set

up pension wise and we also, let you put it absolutely clear, there is no

complacency on the side as far as scams are concerned. We are in the

process of making sure the public are aware of when to detect this

damn, how to deal with it and also how to report it. To regulators are

also working with us and indeed in pension wise you will find that the

website and the guider is to advise people how to deal with scams. Mr

Speaker I was about to ask the same question. I will take the

opportunity to say that I do think the large amount of my constituents

affected by scam over the Internet and it is a matter of very great

concern. I am delighted by the fact that the government is taking steps

to deal with it. I have also had cause to... Mr Speaker I referred to

my previous answer. As one of the best places to retire in the UK, we

welcome the freedoms being created but need to be redacted from scams.

What steps is the Minister taking to make sure pensioners can access

advice they need before making crucial decisions about their

future? Pension wise is there to give him partial and free advise and

when necessary they will direct people towards professional advisor.

As far as professional advisors are concerned, the money advice service

has on its books a directory which has some 2300 firms throughout the

country and near Scotland where there are a directory which has some

2300 firms throughout the country and near Scotland where there think

that we are trying to make sure the public tap hopper accessed whenever

advice is required. With permission Mr Speaker I would answer this

question with questions seven and 13. There are many factors affecting

the new individuals mental health to SX effective isolation of all other

factors would be misleading and there are a number of checks built

into the system to support those with mental health concerned. As it

happens number 13 I think has been withdrawn anyway. There we go. They

give very much Mr Speaker. I think that is disappointing and we all on

the site at the chamber are concerned about the terrible damage

of ideological cuts being made to this government are doing to the

most probable on our society. The last two weeks of prime minister

questions, my right on our society. The last two weeks of prime minister

questions, my right, friend asked the prime minister about suicides

following on from benefit reductions. Will the Minister

published the details of these investigations? The department

carries out from views to identify whether any lessons can be learned

but I should emphasise Mr Speaker that the information the

Commissioner has considered this very issue and upheld the

department's decision not to publish these because of the level of

personal information and Saint and it will be unlawful to unleash this

information. In 2014, the Scottish Association for mental health which

is common's leading mental health charity published research which

found that 98% of their service users said their mental health had

deteriorated as a direct result of welfare reform. Further research

this year by the same charity in the facility running in my constituency

at red talk wild card and confirmed that benefit sanctions have been

detrimental to the mental health of service users there. What steps will

her government take to address the adverse effects of benefit sanctions

on those with mental health problems? First of all let me start

by saying that sanctions play an important part in the labour market

and encourage people and support them to go back to work.

Specifically with regards to support for events with mental conditions,

our staff, are trained to support individuals with conditions during

their job search and they also have access to more expert advice should

it be needed. As a minister of... Impacting their well-being and

mental-health but it is also having a devastating impact on the families

involved with a recent survey highlighting that children are

indirectly punished by thing since. In light of the alarming findings

will be Minister reassessed these on the family and family test. At me

say to the honourable gentleman that our sanctions system is robust and

there is clear evidence that it does work and he specifically mentioned

support for the family. Let me say to the honourable gentleman that it

is this government that is supporting the family throwing light

chance is measured and importantly ensuring the work pays which is

exactly how families get out of poverty and the life chances of

children's and families improve. Could the Minister confirmed that

the number of cases that result in sanctions is falling and doesn't

that show that job centre staff are working with claimant to help them

with their search for employment and most employee do actually want to

work -- most not employed. I think the noble lady for a question

because she is right as we have seen to as a sanctions have decreased by

over 40% over the last year but also importantly this is about begun to

pull of the sanctions system. It actually helps and supports

individual job seekers to comply with the reasonable requirements

discussed with them with their work coaches and developed and agreed to

help them move and prepared to work. People with mental health problems

to have particular barriers to get them back into the labour market and

reductive work. With the Minister agree with me that the government

should be as taking all steps to make sure that people with mental

health problems are not things and unnecessarily and that we should

show flexibility around making sure that they get back into the labour

market? My honourable friend raises some very fundamental point here

which is of course as I have stated Mr Speaker, our staff are trained to

support claimants of mental health conditions during their job search,

but importantly to provide more expert advice and support should

they need it. I come back to my earlier point as well that claimants

are asked to meet reasonable requirements taken into account

their circumstances, their capability and of course their

mental health conditions as well. I welcome recent decision by the

department to trial a process of the yellow card system for 14 days in

various places for those being sanctioned. I also welcome the

decision to have advisors at several food banks to trial whether that

will also help some of the benefits transition problems that have been

noticed. With my right on both rent face when she expect there'll be

enough evidence for the department to share with us the outcomes of

those trial trials? Is right these trials are important and they are

bringing together more support and advice for individual claimants.

With regards to when we can expect to see more information and details

of the style I will look forward early in the new year. But I also

think the government for their acceptance of the Britain report

calling for a yellow card system. Before the government is able to

report to the House on the impact of a good warning system to people that

maybe sanctions are coming down the road that they will need to begin

the trials. Is there any chance of the Minister today telling as when

the trials will begin and when they will be completed as white? I thank

the honourable determined for his question and we are working out

details now and I would be happy to discuss further details as to when

we'll be rolling them out with him quite shortly. Mr Speaker, the

so-called yellow card pilot scheme is actually an omission by the

government that the thing since regime is not working at the present

time and is particularly badly failing people with serious mental

illnesses. Why is the government waiting until next year to bring out

those pilot schemes and in the meantime will be pleased to stop

thinking people were seriously ill as white what I would say to the

honourable Lady is that I would respectfully disagree with her. On

the point she is making. Payments are only asked to make reasonable

requirements taken into account the Li account their circumstances and I

think she will find with the pilots as they are under way that this is

about how we can integrate support for claimants and importantly

provide them with the support and guidance to help them get back to

work. I was not listening to the response but the reality is people

with mental problems are being disproportionately sanctioned and

that has been evident for some time now. Why won't the government listen

to voices across the House including the working pensions direct

committee and subject the things is moving to full independent review? I

have made just a few points to the honourable Lady. For a start the

government has been listening and we have responded to the work and

pensions select committee hence the reasons why we will be travelling

and highlighting the new scheme. I reiterate my comment earlier on that

our staff are trained to support claimant of mental health conditions

and there is no evidence to suggest that mental health claimant are

being sanctioned more than anybody else. We provide support for our job

centres on our claimants are only asked to make reasonable

requirements. Mr Speaker the Minister may have inadvertently

slipped up there. There is clear evidence from last year that 58% of

people with mental health conditions on the implement support allowance

work-related activity group were sanctioned. Obviously that is over

half and that is equivalent to people. 83% in a mind survey said

they had worse or health conditions because of the. The government's on

evaluations and not only shows how ineffective this is with 8% of

people with mental health conditions getting into sustained work, but on

top of that it also shows that punitive sanctions regime introduced

by this government does not work. Why will the government not omit to

undertaking an independent review on sanctions? Clearly, I think the

Labour Party have not changed their policies on sanctions which of

course is one they used to support. What I would say to the honourable

ladies that these things and system is kept under constant review while

travelling new early warning system recommended by the work and pensions

select committee and I would have thought she would welcome that. I

would also make the point as well that sanctions play in in the part

in the labour market system I supporting people to get into work

and in particular with people with health conditions, ESA sanctions was

a system put into place by the Labour government which is the party

opposite conveniently have forgotten about as well. We are very clear

with the sanctioned system it is clear it is fair and this is

effective and the most positive of behaviours to help women get back

into work. With permission Mr Speaker I would like to answer

questions three and 18 together. Since the graduate introduction of

automatic enrollment began in 2012, participation and break placed

pension saving in the private sector has increased to 21 percentage

points from 42%, or 5.9 million workers in 2012 to 63% or 9.2

million workers in 2014. And were able to my horrible friend for that

answer. Will you join with me in congratulating BNC Ibe people's

pension based in my constituency for so accurately rolling out this

important provision for workers across the country. I am very happy

to congratulate the people's pension for the work that they do. It is

important that the well out of automatic enrollment receives as

much support as possible so that people can make choices that are

right for them. Mr Speaker, may I also commend my honourable friend

for the excellent work he does which was so evident when I visited his

constituency. Thank you Mr Speaker. On the fourth of the summer... Does

my right honourable friend agree that small businesses need to advise

their employees about the pension changes and what steps and efforts

are his department doing to ensure this? Mr Speaker I congratulate my

honourable friend for her efforts in helping to spread the message, the

important message about this ground-breaking reform. I agree with

her that small businesses need to advise the police of the changes and

that is why the government has launched a new national

communications campaign were small employers as well as individuals.

Would it not be much more sensible, financially securing for pensioners

to establish a compulsory state convention scampered all with

benefits in place of the government's support and enrollment

team? The point is it is important that we get people in the country to

recognise that they need to think about the future. What we are doing

with the auto enrollment programme is that there are 10 million

eligible people who will qualify and amongst that 9 million will be

people who will be saving more or saving for the first time. I am

happy to say, Mr Speaker, that among those 10 million three to 4 million

are women. Leon these benches are very happy to support what the

government is doing with auto enrollment. We begin to work people

save for the longer time. Cannot point out that last week Oesterle

announced they will be stepping out with what they're doing the pensions

freedom on White of experience where a large number of over 70 have run

out of quiet. With the government reconsider it should be giving

guidance adventures should be looking to save for retirement? We

are giving guidance as much as we are able to do so pension wise is

there and I mentioned the Money advice service that has the advisory

burns there. We also have the Internet and where people want

further advised they will be guided to that advice by pension wise. With

permission Mr Speaker I will answer questions for with question six and

14. As the honourable members will be aware the administration of

temporary accommodation is a matter for local authorities, but now they

will agree with me that the best idea is the board people in

employment and I am proud we have achieved an employment rate of

73.6%, the highest since records began in 1971. Official figures

showed that in England the total number of homeless household and

temporary accommodation has risen by an alarming 26% over the last five

years. And might only go area has risen by 55% in the last 18 months.

The Minister will know that being in place of temporary accommodation is

not only contacting for families but incredibly costly. Can I ask, as is

Apartment is a key driver in this inquest, a policy they have

undertaken undertaken, what's he doing to come with an urgent

solution to this problem? Today's numbers are 66,890 which is still

the all-time high from September 2000 450% higher than today. The

average time that household spent in temporary accommodations is seven

last then 2010. Working with the theology we are putting measures to

build more houses and we expect over this permits a further 200 thousand,

the fastest rate in 20 years. Discretionary housing payments were

intended to mitigate some of the effects of welfare cuts, housing and

benefit caps and also to prevent homelessness, yet in my local

authority hath of expenditure at the moment is now growing on households

already homeless and already in temporary accommodation. Could the

Minister tell us what proportion of expenditure nationally is going on

paying for existing temporary accommodations and whether he thinks

that it's actually the point of discretionary housing payments?

We're making available 800 million over this Parliament and the

discretionary housing payments which is an increase of 40%. The key is it

is discretionary for East local authority. In addition recognising

additional cost within London, ?60 per household is provided for week

to that local authority. Homeless charity and Rochdale have told me

there has been a significant increase in the amount of people

requiring temporary accommodation. Figures show it has nearly doubled

over the last five years of this government. They blame result of

this on the ESA claim is being wrongly declared fit for work. What

is the government going to do about the situation? The key is providing

more houses. We have seen a further 800,000 new homes built since 2009.

How starts are at the highest level since 2007, a further 275,000

affordable houses will be bit delete at during this moment and we're

hoping for additional incentives to build further numbers of affordable

housing. Infield is significantly impacted by child poverty, but does

the Minister agreed me that family breakdown is a key factor that does

need to be taken account of when assessing and tackling the root of

child poverty? I think that My Noble friend for that very powerful point.

One of the key measures of recognising what that can make. The

question to ask in relation to those living in February accommodation and

more broadly does the Minister agreed me that it is not just family

breakdown which is important but also work with households that must

be tackled to get to the root causes of poverty was? That is why we

rightly celebrate the 2 million private-sector jobs created since we

came into office. We will continue to deliver a stronger economy which

will create jobs which is the best route out of poverty. The Tory

Liberal Democrat government tried to cut housing benefit nine times and

since maybe you're trying again. All that this has achieved is a massive

increase in the number of homeless families in temporary accommodation.

The largest housing benefit do we have ever seen and huge

discretionary housing payments being given to local authority. I'm sure

it has occurred to the Minister that the answer is to build real more

about the Leigh affordable housing. Would you like to have a word with

the department who are promoting the housing bill and ask them to bullet

because all it is going to do is result in the sell-off of more and

more affordable social housing? The policy is a deal we secured with

housing associations to give tenant the right to buy and the phones will

be sold once that creates more modern stock. It also creates

additional jobs. People work hard should not be blocked from a chance

to own their own home, something I very much support. Tackling youth

unemployment is a priority for this government and we're determined that

young people should not slip into a life on benefits which is why our

department provides a broad range of support for young people in addition

to the standard job centre offering. I am grateful from that

answer having experienced periods of unemployment myself in my youth I am

barely aware of how hard it can be on individuals. Does my honourable

friend welcome the fact that you youth unemployment has fallen by 49%

and it does not prove that the economic plan is delivering jobs and

apprenticeships needed to get job security for young people? By all

the friend is absolutely right. It is down to the fact that the current

plan is working, the economy is growing but also we should recognise

that young people need tailored support for them in terms of

securing employment opportunities. Advisor time in our job centres,

work experience placements, work programme helped to work the

animation form, these are all measures we have to help young

people get employment. The tax credit system has undoubtedly played

a major role in encouraging people to take up employment by making work

pay and a massive contribution to the appointment figures that

ministers frequently cite. Are the government aware that if they follow

through on a tax credit cuts there will be a huge effective tax rate

for somebody of perhaps as high as 92% having a massive disincentive of

people who do want to work. I would say to the horrible gentleman he is

wrong. With the changes we have been bringing to the welfare system and

the tax system we are ensuring that work pays and the honourable

gentleman will be fully aware that as of April next year will be an

introduction of a new national living wage which will be a pay

boost for people with low pay, but supplemented by that of course will

be supportively child care measures, all the incentives that would

support them with pure incentives to support them into work. The

honourable lady said give us the evidence. Where is the evidence and

the facts she and he lead her team are providing? Mr Speaker, I say to

the horrible lady if she has data to prove her case and she is welcome to

share that with me. We know for a fact that the government no that

more people will be better off in the new national living wage with

free child care, but also for the fact that it will paid to be in work

rather than being dependent on welfare which is exactly the

policies of the party opposite. Will my right honourable friend join

me in thanking the national friendship service, staff rich

University cool I'll be joining me for in the apprenticeship some...

Siimar. That is helping to create new career opportunities for people

seeking work. My honourable friend is absolutely right, the spares and

engagements with employers are absolutely the right way forward

when it comes forward to encouraging young people, not just to train up

and get skills but secure new look opportunities through

apprenticeships. I commend her for the work she's doing and wish her

with that. A minister seems to forgotten that young people under

the age of 25 not only are they losing their tax credits, but the

are also not getting the higher minimum wage when that increases

next year. Is to say that the tax credit cut means that the Tories are

not the party of workers. For young people are too people that is double

the case. Let me remind him that the last government introduced a new

rate. I should also emphasise that when it comes to supporting young

people, this is a government that focuses on developing the skills and

working experience of our young people. Something his party

completely neglected when they were in government.

Mr Speaker, since the start of last year we have been taking action to

asked for a range of ways stopping this will ensure we have a welfare

system that is not taking advantage of. It is also fair for those paying

into it. Changes made by my department estimated to say half ?1

billion will be saved. Will he agree that it will be easier and more

efficient, if we treated EU citizens all the same, by only allowing EU

citizens into this country. Ending the free movement will make his life

much easier. He started so well Mr Speaker. LAUGHTER

I will rather avoid the idea to take myself even further. I would say to

him who is being much more polite, I say to him under universal credit is

worth reminding him that no one who was unemployed and not a British

students and not a British citizen will be able to deceive universal

credit at all. I commend him for all of the efforts he has made a. And he

keeps European citizens within the framework of the law. We agree that

the only way the country will get complete control as by leaving the

European Union? Can I say my honourable friend that the Prime

Minister has given the country a referendum on that matter. Which is

a huge step forward, for the honourable gentleman opposite in

everyone forward. I suggest that the moment when he votes he will be able

to make that decision. Mr Speaker, work, is the best route

out of poverty which is why we are focused on getting people into

employment. We have made significant progress and have made significant

progress rate on record. With over 2 million people in work since 2010,

the number of people in poverty is 200,000 lower than its peak under

Labour and 2008 and 2009. I do not think...

Analysis suggest that eight point for million working households

currently eligible for benefits and tax credits in the tax cuts will

only offset it by 20%. What is the Secretary of State going to do about

that? Let me thank the honourable member on a couple of points. The

number of people and working families and not in poverty is up by

around 1.7 million compared to 2009-2010. The latest figures show

that the number of people and work have peaked. The ... I will remind

him that in a recent interview the director did say this about tax

credits. He said "that the Chancellor has taken the decisions

to protect some of the poorest people at the same time, which is

where we are. Close Mac clerk. These are his ideas of realistic

cost. To the Secretary of State tell us why he and his government

continue to describe their new rate, the minimum rate for the over

20 57 7.20 as the new wage. I made the decision earlier, and everyone

that works subcontracted as well. The Chancellor came forward they

buried generous ideas. You will be raising the national wage to ?9 by

2020, that is a huge increase. I would like to say to him throughout

the whole time of the 13 years of the last Labour government, maybe

gives only why they never engaged in raising it? Mr Speaker we introduced

the minimum wage, I welcome the fact that he talks about the London

living wage. Continuing to describe the national living wage as that,

undermines both the campaign and the concept for a rail living wage that

people can genuinely a Ford to live on. Can I put it to him that the

under 25, as we have already heard when I benefit from this. Is the

reason for that, as the Business Minister has told us that young

people are viewed as his government as unproductive and therefore worth

less money? I forgot myself. I did not welcome the honourable gentleman

to this place and I welcome him without reservation. I am sure will

have other increases. That is not what he said at a time of the second

meeting. He now says he's opposed to it, but never mind. The road to

Damascus may have a new Route. It is this government that has increased

the living wage, the living wage by ?9 to 2020, universal and credit

support childcare. To the lowest paid and poorest that will be best

report too detected by what we are proposing -- best protected.

Mr Speaker, the benefit cap is having long-term and positive affect

on those who are trying to find work. Over 60,000 households have

been capped since April 20 13th, as of May 2015 over 40,000 households

were no longer subject to the benefit cap. Of those 16,300

households have moved into work. As the Secretary of State, has he

read the report on poverty and social exclusion within Wells. It

points out that working families and young people in Wales are at greater

risk of poverty now than a decade ago. 45% hold part-time jobs that

classified as low pay and the number of part-time, self-employed families

living in poverty increased by 100,000 in the last decade. They

say, that changes to the welfare bill are going to be damaging for

families in Wales. Does he acknowledged that? I know they were

the report. There are things they said in the past that show that what

we have been doing, as I said the number of families that have risen

out of poverty directly of our changes is quite dramatic. Asset be

the horrible lady, she knows that Wells had a difficult time during

the recession. What we are seeing now is unemployment falling

dramatically indwells. Employment rising. The best way to get people

out of poverty is to get them in to work and eventually grew into

full-time work. That is happening right now.

The government recognises the need to protect the most honourable and

society including pensioners, those with disabilities and their carers.

It has been introduced to the care act and since 2010, the allows for

carers have increased to 62 point than a week. -- 62.10. ... Those

working or going to be headed by these proposed tax rate cuts, the

numbers we do not know exactly, but is a lot of the group. Most carers

are going to increase their working hours because they have a big tool

bar promotes. They deserve to be exempt from the governments tax

credit cut. What are they doing now for this group of carers to be

protected from those cuts? The Chancellor said he will set out in

the Autumn Statement will he will do to address the concerns from some.

From a high welfare, lower welfare economy. As we stand today, we have

?2 billion in supporting the work that they do. That is a record

amount. On this Thursday we had the inter ministerial meeting to look at

further ways to get support carers and I will be actively participating

in that meeting. Long-term unemployment has continued to fall

and is down by well over a quarter of a million since 2010, falling to

its lowest levels in over six years. May I apply the governments

current work in reducing the number of people in long-term

unemployment? It is really impressive. Can I particularly

welcome the commitment to heart... Having the disability employment

gap. Does the Minister realise however, that only 50% -- 15% of

autistic adults are in full-time paid employment. Can we ask her what

progress she is going to make towards addressing this gap in this

specific his ability unemployment and to provide autistic people with

the opportunities they deserve? The honourable Lady is absolutely right.

There is more to do in this space. So far we have over 200,000 more

people in disabilities than this time last year. We will build upon

that and in regards to autistic adults, continue to secure

opportunities for them so that they can get a job and remain in

employment. Is my honourable friend that be dramatic fall in love on a

climate in South and West... Is 49%. Will she reassured me that the

government will continue to pursue the economic policies that has made

this happen so that we reach the happy decision where there is a job

available for everyone who wishes to work? My honourable friend is

absolutely right in terms of the record levels of employment in his

own constituencies. May I say just across assets as well -- as six. We

can never be complacent. It is encouraging to see a long-term

economic plan, more people in private section employment. Mr

Speaker the index raises because his ranks countries on a number of Ings.

The UK is rising nine places in the economic index. The latest evidence

shows the positive impact of our reforms. As today's report shows how

to fix our welfare and economic reforms. More people have the

opportunity to then affect and have the sense of purpose that comes with

having a job. I have been noted by a number of my constituents... They

told me that while they are waiting for it, you can be a matter of

months. I wonder if the Minister can tell us what steps he can take to

ensure that those retain what they get. We are working closely with

notability to put in place a package for those who lose their as two

eligibility. They'll be able to keep their cars for at least two months.

In addition we have affirmed the DWP appeals process with the

introduction of the reconsideration. This allows disputes to be addressed

more quickly. I'll be happy to work with my honourable friend further to

see what progress can be made. Thank you very much. Giving the... 20 of

his own MPs said that the government was in danger of cutting a lifeline

to working families. Business that the various state now regret

describing tax credit as a bribe? Can I just say to the horrible lady

that she should remember exactly how the money was spent -- honourable.

And she looks back she will find that the 2005 general election be

Chancellor raises pending on tax credits by 71%. After that they stay

pretty flat and before 2010 election, suddenly he raised them by

23%. I said to the horrible lady if she does the math she may wonder why

they lost the election. Will the introduction of universal credits,

with all the associated data that entails, enable the government and

the department to actually help young people, people in low income

stuck find new opportunities to progress their opportunities and

find higher paid jobs? The key change, what is different now, some

jobseeker's allowance gets a job and they disappear and no one sees them.

Under universal credits they will stay with the work advisor and the

advisor will help them with any subsidiary training, help them to

find extra hours and help them to sort out problems and work. Does a

remarkable change gives us the opportunity to help people progress

and work. The Office of National Statistics says nearly one in lob

jobs pay less than the railway to. It has been increased to 8.25 an

hour. Will he congratulate them on the work and I love what he will do

to make sure that more people are paid they're really living wage? The

government is clear that it is to our welfare policies we are ensuring

that work pays. At the heard music earlier on, we are choosing a

national living wage next April... And that people in the country are

given a pay rise. Will he inform the House what action

his department is taken to support small businesses and one third which

seeks to provide support and training to adults so they can

develop skills for successful employment -- Romford. I know in my

honourable friend constituents and more businesses are flourishing and

expanding at a very impressive rate. In regards to the specialist

courses available. Back cover ITC, many of the construction courses, in

particular we are working with the business is to ensure that the local

market is growing in the right way and are getting access to the skills

they need. Mr Speaker. On in four workers earning less than the living

wage, 82% of children in hurting ten are being brought up in families

dependent on tax credits. Does the Secretary of State accept this is

the worst possible time to cut tax credits and that those families

would not be compensated by his phony living wage. Will he join with

me in welcoming the initiative taken today by Labour, Birmingham City

Council to declare we are determined in the city, no one earns less than

the gorilla living wage -- rail. Despite all the other arguments,

they have 13 years in power. They left the national living wage fall

words and further behind than ever before. At his eyes who has

increased the minimum wage and it is us who now proposes the living wage

of ?9 by the end of this Parliament. I do welcome his commitment to

introducing a yellow card system. Is the Minister agree that we need to

ensure payments -- claimants are placed in the right group in the

first place. Will he reaffirm the commitment to improvement of health

training for decision-makers and assessors? I think my honourable

friend for this question. This is a very important one. The government

rightly invested an extra 1.2 million pounds stopping we rode out

?40 million to provide face-to-face and telephone support. We have

mental health and well-being partnership managers and advisers.

We will continue to push further training. This is an important

issue. The last Parliament, the number of working families increased

by 84%. Over the last three years, leading counsel -- leading counsel

is only able to replace one in seven. Does he see the connection in

those figures. What he felt to her mind is is that under the last

government those claiming housing benefits out of work rose to

magically and in word rose to magically. Under this government

those claiming housing benefits out of work has fallen dramatically. I

welcome your reforms to welfare widgets help 609 people in my

constituency back into work since 2010. Moving from benefits into

working cause difficulty. Therefore additionally I I welcome... What

progress are remaking to make sure we speed of benefit claims to make

sure this situation does not occur? Can I say to my honourable friend,

what we want to do is ensure that anyone who does go to the location

like a food bank has the ability to check to see if there is a problem.

There is let's do with it there. We also advertise, that they can give

benefit advances and hardship loans there as well. Now, we are beginning

to find is that when they go to the food banks they are helping them get

back into work as well, and added bonus. In terms of the

administration of the benefits regime, yesterday the news have

reported new figures which show that nearly 300,000 cases benefit

claimants have been penalised the sanctions without being officially

notified. This visit estimated 20,000 cases in Scotland. Will he

give an independent review of this poorly administered system? I will

say to the honourable lady that back in 2001, the last Labour that went

decided to move to a clerical. She asked the question, she does not

want to answer that is fine. They moved to a clerical system, we

reviewed that over the last year and decided that under the changes we

want, going back to an automatic system is much better. It turns out,

under the recent release of statistics that went out last week,

it shows that those who did not receive the initial letter uphill

the higher rate than those who did receive the initial letter. We will

be ready to people that they still have rights to appeal if they wish.

A substantial benefit of the issues with tax credits is by encouraging

more companies to pay the national living wage, ?9 now. What

conversations has my routable friend had with the Chancellor for

incentives that can be provided for kind, companies for providing ?9 in

their have. Companies with believing the economy is well run will enforce

that. The problem was that the last Labour government set up a system

that encouraged companies to pay low wages and leave them. The changes

now, Universal credit making them move on, higher salaries, a better

wage packet in many companies are ready paying the higher level. I

like to meet with the Minster to talk about the children with the

indices were having to re-apply for DLA. We were disappointed that we

were told we were not going to get a full response. Can he ensure that

they get a full response about how they will take the recommendations

forward? I am disappointed to hear that is the case. I will absolutely

make sure that a full response is that. I was grateful from the

support from the honourable member, taking the time to proactively help

support the changes we needed to make. Does the Minister show my view

that a huge part of tackling youth unemployment is showing that they

need education system work readies. What is been done to help achieve

that. In her constituency and she's doing a great deal to support it but

only to get into but develop long-term careers. According to the

Department of working figures, what is the Secretary of State going to

do to reverse that trend. We are making sure there are individuals on

stability as well. People look at the statements and with the

contributions they are making it to think I had. Also encouraging

companies to be proactive in making sure the people who work for them

take part in the auto enrollment process to make sure they are

protected. Building a broad skill set is crucial. Is the department

actively voting schemes such as the national citizen service provides a

unique opportunity to do just that? I think the honourable friend. We

have Artie had a cross department meeting to look at how we can

further promote the national citizens and. It is one of the

proudest thing I have an MP that introduced. It transforms children

into young gully into brilliant adults. The. Can you tell what

discussions he has had in relations to the people who received

contaminated blood and contracted HIV and hepatitis C. In terms of

supporting them onto the new disability benefits without further

assessments, which has cost so much concern to those affected? .

Wade will the government commission that all benefit claims and should

be online by the end of this Parliament, but the Minister update

the House as to what discussions he has had with Internet service

providers to ensure those with low incomes can't get online? Can I say

to my honourable friend that the ambition is to get as many as we

can, those who there are some who and will be some who cannot. Under

universal credit we are very paid to ensure that they if necessary can

continue to make paper submissions and will be treated inside the job

centre. As many as we can will. We have been talking constantly to be

providers all the way through about how best to do this including

security as well. Or clarification, is the Secretary of State least that

as a result of sustained parliamentary and public pressure,

the Chancellor has been forced to reconsider the proposals on tax

credits? Is that a matter which fits with his approval? Everything the

Chancellor proposes meets with my approval. The Minister, the member

for Northwest and brochures that earlier that letters were sent to

all women born in the 1950s to inform them of the state pension

age. I have to say many disagree with him. I have constituents that

were not informed of these changes and discovered they were not going

to retire soon and had many years until retirement. Will ministers be

looking again at this issue and reconsider whether that group of

women affected have transitional protection? I'm surprised he or was

she says but I am happy to look into it further because the information I

have is that there was communication with those people. I'm happy to

correspond with the lady. A point of order. Mr Speaker I note on the

order paper today we have the first instance of certification from you.

I also note that on the notes to the bill, it states specifically on page

60 that half of 108-110 relate to Scotland. Last in your certification

as it correlates to England only. Can I request clarification of this

apparent anomaly? Whatever is stated in the notes, and I commend the

honourable