0:00:10 > 0:00:14Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the House of Commons, at
0:00:14 > 0:00:16330 Theresa May will make a statement on the recent European
0:00:16 > 0:00:22Council summit, and update the house on the Brexit negotiations, and this
0:00:22 > 0:00:24morning she and her ministers discussed for the first time what
0:00:24 > 0:00:29the UK's long-term relationship with the EU should be but what they
0:00:29 > 0:00:33decided, we don't know. Then the committees and Local Government
0:00:33 > 0:00:37Secretary Sajid Javid will update MPs on the government's response to
0:00:37 > 0:00:40the Grenfell Tower fire, and after that the Home Secretary Amber Rudd
0:00:40 > 0:00:44will make a statement on harassment in public life. The main business is
0:00:44 > 0:00:47pushed into the evening, and that will be the birthday of scrutiny of
0:00:47 > 0:00:54the Finance Bill. Please join me for a round-up of the day in both houses
0:00:54 > 0:00:57of Parliament after the Commons finishes but first we have questions
0:00:57 > 0:01:02to the secretary of state for works and pensions David Gauke.James
0:01:02 > 0:01:12Morrison. -- Morris.Over 5000 employees have signed up to
0:01:12 > 0:01:15disability conference since its launch in 2016 and the disability,
0:01:15 > 0:01:22wouldn't business leaders group -- disability confidence business
0:01:22 > 0:01:24leaders group is made up of prominent people and I'm pleased
0:01:24 > 0:01:27that all ministerial departments have achieved disability confident
0:01:27 > 0:01:34leader status.With the Secretary of State agree with me that it has
0:01:34 > 0:01:37proved to be a very effective way of breaking down barriers for disabled
0:01:37 > 0:01:42people to get into work, especially addressing issues of stigma which
0:01:42 > 0:01:50many disabled people feel, and would he consider attending my event in
0:01:50 > 0:01:56January.I will certainly consider your kind invitation but I do agree
0:01:56 > 0:02:02with the point he has made, it is the case that many disability
0:02:02 > 0:02:05confident of events have been very productive in engaging employers at
0:02:05 > 0:02:10a local level and encouraging them to see the benefits of employing
0:02:10 > 0:02:17disabled people, and DWP supports authorities and MPs in holding such
0:02:17 > 0:02:20events and maybe I will have the opportunity in your constituency to
0:02:20 > 0:02:29attend one.The truth of the matter is, this simply isn't working, my
0:02:29 > 0:02:32constituent just graduated with a nose in competing technology and he
0:02:32 > 0:02:38is blind, with a guide dog, but when he tells prospective employers in
0:02:38 > 0:02:43advance, they just don't take its application seriously -- graduated
0:02:43 > 0:02:52with honours. What is he going to do? He has made 850 applications.We
0:02:52 > 0:02:56have undoubtedly made progress in the last six years, getting 6000
0:02:56 > 0:02:59more disabled people in work that was the case in 2010, but there is
0:02:59 > 0:03:02more to do, which is why the government has an ambition to
0:03:02 > 0:03:09increase that number from three and a half million to 4 million over the
0:03:09 > 0:03:11next ten years which is why be published our recent command paper
0:03:11 > 0:03:16on this subject, but it is important that there is the culture change
0:03:16 > 0:03:23amongst employers so people like Alan have the opportunity.How many
0:03:23 > 0:03:25of the FTSE 250 companies have signed up to this excellent
0:03:25 > 0:03:30campaign?That is a very good question and I will have to write to
0:03:30 > 0:03:34you with the answer. What I can say, we have businesses, small and large
0:03:34 > 0:03:43are participating in this, like Microsoft and GlaxoSmithKline,
0:03:43 > 0:03:47Sainsbury's, Channel 4, but also many small businesses up and down
0:03:47 > 0:03:55the country have also signed up.Can I take this opportunity on behalf of
0:03:55 > 0:03:58the SNP bench is to offer our condolences to the Deputy Speaker
0:03:58 > 0:04:02after the weekend's tragic incidents and our hearts thoughts and prayers
0:04:02 > 0:04:08go out to him and his family. The Chancellor told the Treasury Select
0:04:08 > 0:04:11Committee that far higher levels of participation by marginal groups and
0:04:11 > 0:04:15high levels of engagement in the workforce, or example disabled
0:04:15 > 0:04:20people, might have had an impact on overall productivity measurement.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25The Chancellor belittled the efforts of disabled people in the workforce,
0:04:25 > 0:04:28how disappointed with the Secretary of State in this on helpful
0:04:28 > 0:04:31statement
0:04:31 > 0:04:40of State in this on helpful statement?Can I reiterate your
0:04:40 > 0:04:43thoughts about the Deputy Speaker, but in response to the question, I
0:04:43 > 0:04:47do disagree, I think the point that the Chancellor of the Exchequer was
0:04:47 > 0:04:50seeking to make is that we have made great progress in recent years in
0:04:50 > 0:04:56terms of the increase in the level of disabled people in work, that is
0:04:56 > 0:05:01a good thing to do. He made it clear that he considered that to be a good
0:05:01 > 0:05:04thing and that is where the whole government... That is what the
0:05:04 > 0:05:10government wants to achieve.The small employment advisory at rugby
0:05:10 > 0:05:16job centre has got 50 new employees to become disability confident. --
0:05:16 > 0:05:2115. Do you think this is crucial to make sure that more disabled people
0:05:21 > 0:05:29get access to the workplace, this activity at the local level?Very
0:05:29 > 0:05:32good point, it is important that the engagement happens up and down the
0:05:32 > 0:05:35country and we are pleased to be making progress, over 5000
0:05:35 > 0:05:39disability confident employees and we had to increase that number and
0:05:39 > 0:05:43my department will be doing everything it can to achieve that.
0:05:43 > 0:05:51Thank you. In the recently published improving lives paper, the
0:05:51 > 0:05:55government said they want to work in partnership with employers to help
0:05:55 > 0:06:01them draw on the talents of disabled people, but following the
0:06:01 > 0:06:04Chancellor's comments recently, scapegoating disabled people, as
0:06:04 > 0:06:07being the reason for low productive to, does the Secretary of State not
0:06:07 > 0:06:15agree with me with the... That there is a need for a clear message, from
0:06:15 > 0:06:20the government, that in point disabled people can enhance
0:06:20 > 0:06:22productivity and make a real contribution to organisations and
0:06:22 > 0:06:28businesses across the UK very macro -- that employing disabled people.
0:06:28 > 0:06:33There is a clear message from this government, we have seen significant
0:06:33 > 0:06:39increases in the number of disabled people in work, that is good for
0:06:39 > 0:06:43disabled people and also good for the economy as a whole and that
0:06:43 > 0:06:46continues to be our message and that is why we have published our
0:06:46 > 0:06:51improving lives document and we will continue to work to improve the
0:06:51 > 0:06:56opportunities for disabled people in the labour market.
0:06:59 > 0:07:07Improving lives and helping families hopes to improve outcomes for
0:07:07 > 0:07:09disadvantaged children and is making good progress, from next spring at
0:07:09 > 0:07:13the Kelvin and will run a trial of individual placement and support --
0:07:13 > 0:07:21public-health England will run a trial. This will be boosted by the
0:07:21 > 0:07:25£30 billion budget announcement by the Chancellor.Coastal communities
0:07:25 > 0:07:30like my own entry thoughts, face particular difficulties -- like my
0:07:30 > 0:07:39own in Cleethorpes. There is much more low paid work up -- but not
0:07:39 > 0:07:41much to encouraging people to stay there, what encouragement can she
0:07:41 > 0:07:55provide very -- provide?I'm pleased that the claimant count in your area
0:07:55 > 0:08:01is a wee down by 49% and in North East Lincolnshire, last March, we
0:08:01 > 0:08:04saw 248 families achieve significant progress to our troubled families
0:08:04 > 0:08:07programme and the Secretary of State is very impressed when he visited my
0:08:07 > 0:08:14friend and saw the free programme which is helping travel junctures
0:08:14 > 0:08:17and the council was awarded a coastal communities fund grant -- is
0:08:17 > 0:08:24helping troubled families. Enhancing Cleethorpes role as a high-quality
0:08:24 > 0:08:31place to live, work and visit.But does she think that the fact she is
0:08:31 > 0:08:34failing and not supporting people who are workless and who are still
0:08:34 > 0:08:38in poverty is one of the reasons why Alan Milburn resigned as the chair
0:08:38 > 0:08:45the social mobility commission?I think we are doing more to get
0:08:45 > 0:08:51people into work than any other government before, and we know
0:08:51 > 0:08:55that... In order to make a meaningful difference to people, and
0:08:55 > 0:08:59those of the most disadvantaged children and families it requires a
0:08:59 > 0:09:04approach much more beyond welfare support, it is about supporting
0:09:04 > 0:09:07people into jobs, when people are employed there chances are much more
0:09:07 > 0:09:12likely to improve, and there are also other key drivers of poverty
0:09:12 > 0:09:23like education and things to support children.Question four.Thank you.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26We are committed to improving the lives of disabled people both in the
0:09:26 > 0:09:31UK and through our international development work and we are
0:09:31 > 0:09:35constructively considering the UN's recommendations going forward, we
0:09:35 > 0:09:42intend to provide an update to the UN as requested next summer.The UN
0:09:42 > 0:09:45report specifically called for the government to repeal the personal
0:09:45 > 0:09:49independence payment Amendment regulation 2017 and to make sure
0:09:49 > 0:09:54that eligibility criteria and assessments to access Universal
0:09:54 > 0:09:57Credit is in line with the human rights model of disability, will she
0:09:57 > 0:10:05commit today to that?We are absolutely committed to disabled
0:10:05 > 0:10:09people and we are world leaders in disability rights and we were very
0:10:09 > 0:10:14disappointed that the UN did not consider all the information that we
0:10:14 > 0:10:19provided and we strongly read but much of what they have to say. I'm
0:10:19 > 0:10:24sure the lady will agree and agree with me in welcoming the excellent
0:10:24 > 0:10:27work which has been done on reviewing this and published today
0:10:27 > 0:10:32by Palgrave which sets out a series of reforms by this government, which
0:10:32 > 0:10:35is determined to make sure that we have the benefit system that really
0:10:35 > 0:10:42supports disabled people -- Paul Gray.Not only did this report
0:10:42 > 0:10:45similarly fail to recognise that we now spend a record £50 billion on
0:10:45 > 0:10:49supporting people with disabilities with long-term health conditions but
0:10:49 > 0:10:53also fail to recognise the work with charities and cycle group that helps
0:10:53 > 0:10:58to shape the policies, will the minister confirm her commitment to
0:10:58 > 0:11:04this proactive engagement?I will absolutely make that confirmation,
0:11:04 > 0:11:09to work with disabled people, organisations that work with sable
0:11:09 > 0:11:14people and really to pay tribute to the excellent work he did -- that
0:11:14 > 0:11:17work with disabled people for the I'm sure we will continue to build
0:11:17 > 0:11:22on the work he did and make sure that more disabled people have the
0:11:22 > 0:11:25opportunity to fulfil their potential in our society.Frank
0:11:25 > 0:11:37Field.With the minister consider a root and branch reform of Pip?
0:11:37 > 0:11:39Someone visiting Birkenhead was doubly incontinent because of
0:11:39 > 0:11:47cancer, she had a neural rating from Pip -- zero rating for the when she
0:11:47 > 0:11:50did not turn up for a few days, she was washing those babies nappies
0:11:50 > 0:11:57that we had because she wanted to get about and she was too ashamed to
0:11:57 > 0:11:59ask us for more, is on there's something wrong with the assessments
0:11:59 > 0:12:06when these cases occur -- isn't there something wrong.I thank you
0:12:06 > 0:12:10for raising this very sad case, and clearly in that individual case
0:12:10 > 0:12:15something went wrong, and I'm looking very forward to answering
0:12:15 > 0:12:17questions and spending time with his select committee later this week,
0:12:17 > 0:12:25and I really would point to him the response to Palgrave's evaluation
0:12:25 > 0:12:29which I published today and I'm sure we will have more time to look at
0:12:29 > 0:12:31this, but we remain utterly committed to make sure that we
0:12:31 > 0:12:37continue to improve Pip.
0:12:37 > 0:12:43Last week I met Francis and my surgery who has cerebral palsy. She
0:12:43 > 0:12:50has made application to get e-mail and wheels for her wheelchair which
0:12:50 > 0:12:53has been denied. Does the Minister agree that having the right
0:12:53 > 0:12:58equipment to help people to get to work is important and helps their
0:12:58 > 0:13:03self-esteem and contribution to the economy?My honourable friend raises
0:13:03 > 0:13:08an important point. It is a benefit which is available for people in
0:13:08 > 0:13:13work and out of work. It is there to help anyone with additional costs
0:13:13 > 0:13:17and of course mobility is really important. There is also the
0:13:17 > 0:13:20excellent access to work scheme which each year is funding more
0:13:20 > 0:13:24people, enabling them to play their full part in society, including
0:13:24 > 0:13:31work. It is clear that work is the best
0:13:31 > 0:13:34route out of poverty, and as the rate of poverty in working
0:13:34 > 0:13:38households is one third am an bat of workless households, latest data
0:13:38 > 0:13:45shows there were 1.9 million working households in relatively low income.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48One of the real impact of increasing the levels of in-work poverty will
0:13:48 > 0:13:52be in the changes that Universal Credit will bring in the roll-out
0:13:52 > 0:13:57that is taking place. In a written parliamentary answer I received, I
0:13:57 > 0:14:08have been told in my constituency, the figure is incorrect. How can the
0:14:08 > 0:14:11public have any trust in what the Government is doing with Universal
0:14:11 > 0:14:15Credit, if they simply don't know the dates of roll-outs within
0:14:15 > 0:14:22constituencies? Fight macro we will certainly look into that information
0:14:22 > 0:14:28that he has highlighted.It is really important to point out that
0:14:28 > 0:14:32we know work is the best route out of poverty and this is helping
0:14:32 > 0:14:41people to stay in work longer and there are incentives to take on more
0:14:41 > 0:14:44hours, because unlike the old system, every extra hour that people
0:14:44 > 0:14:48work base more money in depth pocket.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52Does the Minister agree with me that one of the ways we can help people
0:14:52 > 0:14:57up on Lope is by increasing the National Living Wage, by increasing
0:14:57 > 0:15:00the personal tax allowance people keep more of the money they earn,
0:15:00 > 0:15:04and with helping with childcare costs? Isn't this precisely what the
0:15:04 > 0:15:13Government is doing?Mr Speaker, I could not put it better than myself.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17We are making sure that work pays through the National Living Wage and
0:15:17 > 0:15:21lower taxes and the lowest earners have seen their wages growth at
0:15:21 > 0:15:25almost 7% above inflation over the past two years.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29Mr Speaker, could I, on behalf of my party, at my condolences to those
0:15:29 > 0:15:34already expressed in this chamber. Our sure our hearts go out to the
0:15:34 > 0:15:40Deputy Speaker's family. One of the biggest problems facing families is
0:15:40 > 0:15:45fuel poverty. O'Hara in my constituency is every year the
0:15:45 > 0:15:49coldest part of the UK so it is a colossal problem for my
0:15:49 > 0:15:52constituents. Could I ask the Minister if you have meetings with
0:15:52 > 0:15:55the Scottish Government to take forward ways that this terrible
0:15:55 > 0:15:59problem could be tackled in the remotest and coldest parts of the
0:15:59 > 0:16:05UK.Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would also like to associate myself with
0:16:05 > 0:16:11his comments regarding the Deputy Speaker. He makes a good point about
0:16:11 > 0:16:15fuel poverty. That's why the Government has been doing so much to
0:16:15 > 0:16:20make sure people are aware that by switching, they can cut down on
0:16:20 > 0:16:24those household energy bills, and by making it easier for people to
0:16:24 > 0:16:27switch. We also know that the Scottish Government has devolved
0:16:27 > 0:16:31powers to support people more with their benefits, if that is what they
0:16:31 > 0:16:37decide to do, and they are free to develop their own approaches.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42Isn't it time to have a grown-up conversation about the measure of
0:16:42 > 0:16:46poverty? Under the relative measure thousands will be lifted out of
0:16:46 > 0:16:53poverty by recession, by a reduction in job losses and a reduction in the
0:16:53 > 0:16:55level of household income. Surely that is not the best measure and it
0:16:55 > 0:16:59is vital that we look to work as the best route out of poverty?Mr
0:16:59 > 0:17:04Speaker, he is right to raise this. If we look at progress since 2010,
0:17:04 > 0:17:10across all four measures of poverty, without cherry picking other
0:17:10 > 0:17:14statistics, people are more likely to be in poverty today -- no more
0:17:14 > 0:17:23likely to be in poverty today than in 2010. The incomes of the poorest
0:17:23 > 0:17:27have increased in real terms by £300.
0:17:27 > 0:17:32Food inflation is up 4.2%, the highest two years, the big six
0:17:32 > 0:17:37energy companies have and announced increases of between eight and 15%
0:17:37 > 0:17:41year, against a backdrop of freezes on benefits. Isn't it surprising
0:17:41 > 0:17:45that people have to go to food banks?
0:17:45 > 0:17:48Mr Speaker, the Government is committed to building an economy
0:17:48 > 0:17:53that does work for everybody, that is why we have committed to raising
0:17:53 > 0:18:00the National Living Wage, 33% increase. This will be equivalent to
0:18:00 > 0:18:06a 9% increase in the National Living Wage since the introduction in it
0:18:06 > 0:18:14represents an increase to a full-time increase of £600.
0:18:14 > 0:18:19On behalf of members on these benches, we would like to express
0:18:19 > 0:18:23our condolences to the Deputy Speaker. Our thoughts are with him
0:18:23 > 0:18:26and his family. Disabled people are twice as likely to live in poverty
0:18:26 > 0:18:33than non-disabled people, because of the extra costs the face. The
0:18:33 > 0:18:37Equality and Human Rights Commission estimated the costs at £2500 a year
0:18:37 > 0:18:45for a disabled adult. When the Government discovered they had
0:18:45 > 0:18:48underpaid approximately 75,000 people who transferred onto ESA
0:18:48 > 0:18:54support, they announced they would only be repaying claimants from
0:18:54 > 0:19:02October 20 14. How many people will receive a payment? Given that
0:19:02 > 0:19:07suicide attempts amongst ESA claimants doubled, what impact has
0:19:07 > 0:19:14been studied on people's health as a result of this study?Mr Speaker,
0:19:14 > 0:19:18I'm sure I can write to the honourable lady with the details on
0:19:18 > 0:19:23but as well as being very mindful on the impact of people's health and
0:19:23 > 0:19:31well-being, we must also apply the law. We have to value disabled
0:19:31 > 0:19:35people in our workplace, which is why the Government is making sure
0:19:35 > 0:19:39that as many more disabled people are able to access work and getting
0:19:39 > 0:19:45to work as well. Recent data shows 8 million working
0:19:45 > 0:19:48families are living in poverty. In spite of government rhetoric, work
0:19:48 > 0:19:53is not the route out of poverty. Four out of five people who are in
0:19:53 > 0:19:58low-paid work now, are likely to be in low-paid work in ten years' time.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01In his interview on yesterday's Andrew Marr Show, the Secretary of
0:20:01 > 0:20:04State failed to mention that under Universal Credit sanctions have
0:20:04 > 0:20:09escalated and are being applied to people who are actually in work. The
0:20:09 > 0:20:12public accounts select committee National Audit Office have both
0:20:12 > 0:20:22raised concerns about the impact of sanctions on punishing people in
0:20:22 > 0:20:26low-paid work by sanctioning them? Sanctions are only applied as a very
0:20:26 > 0:20:30last resort and their mitigation is in place to support people when they
0:20:30 > 0:20:34do it. But she is wrong to say that people in work are more likely to be
0:20:34 > 0:20:39in poverty. A key driver of in-work poverty is actually the part-time
0:20:39 > 0:20:43work that people were trapped in when her party was in government.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48When people were trapped working less than 16 hours a week, they were
0:20:48 > 0:20:52literally paying them to stay poor and our reforms are about supporting
0:20:52 > 0:20:57people to progress in work and keep more of the money they earn.Karen
0:20:57 > 0:21:04Lee.Question under six, Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, with your permission I
0:21:04 > 0:21:09will answer questions six and 15 together. There is no reason for
0:21:09 > 0:21:12people to go without while they wait for the first Universal Credit
0:21:12 > 0:21:17payment. New benefit claimants will be able to access and advance. This
0:21:17 > 0:21:21is normally paid within five working days but can be delivered in a day
0:21:21 > 0:21:25if needed. Changes announced in the budget will allow claimants to
0:21:25 > 0:21:31receive larger advances and for advances to be recovered over a
0:21:31 > 0:21:35longer period.Given the waiting period for Universal Credit, the
0:21:35 > 0:21:38choices that people face, they can either have no money to buy food so
0:21:38 > 0:21:45they either use a food bank or staff or they can get a loan, as you say.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49Would the Minister agree with me that pushing people into debt, is
0:21:49 > 0:21:56totally unacceptable?Identified septet categorisation at all. The
0:21:56 > 0:22:00complaint that is made about Universal Credit has been made about
0:22:00 > 0:22:04Universal Credit, is that there is a complaint about the cash flow, that
0:22:04 > 0:22:08people have to wait a period of time before they get their first payment.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12To address the cash flow point within the Universal Credit system,
0:22:12 > 0:22:16is a system of advance so that people can get that money earlier.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21It gives them flexibility to receive the money earlier. It is in advance,
0:22:21 > 0:22:27they get it paid earlier, they don't get it paid twice, it is a perfectly
0:22:27 > 0:22:32sensible way of addressing a cash flow issue.The Peabody trust
0:22:32 > 0:22:35estimates that 60,000 households will have made a new Universal
0:22:35 > 0:22:39Credit claim in the six weeks before Christmas, and will not receive
0:22:39 > 0:22:42their first payment before the holiday period. This need is being
0:22:42 > 0:22:47felt in my constituency, where last week Norwood food bank provided food
0:22:47 > 0:22:52for an extraordinary 128 people in a single session. What is the
0:22:52 > 0:22:55Secretary of State's advice to families who are trying to provide a
0:22:55 > 0:23:05happy
0:23:08 > 0:23:10Christmas for their children, without the means to afford even
0:23:10 > 0:23:12basic necessities? We should be clear that if people
0:23:12 > 0:23:15need cash before Christmas, they are able to get it under the Universal
0:23:15 > 0:23:18Credit system. It is designed so they can do that and for people to
0:23:18 > 0:23:22try to discourage people from taking an advance, because, I'm afraid that
0:23:22 > 0:23:27is the tone that we too often hear from the party opposite, I'm afraid
0:23:27 > 0:23:34it is causing unnecessary anxiety for claimants.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38Margaret Greenwood.The chief Executive of the Financial Conduct
0:23:38 > 0:23:41Authority has risen it warned about high levels of debt and money young
0:23:41 > 0:23:46people incurred just by covering basic household bills like rent.
0:23:46 > 0:23:51Young people aged 18 to 21 are not entitled to housing support under
0:23:51 > 0:23:55Universal Credit. Why did the Government ignore a recommendation
0:23:55 > 0:23:58from the Social Security advisory committee to exempt young people on
0:23:58 > 0:24:06the edge of care?As the honourable member will be aware, there are a
0:24:06 > 0:24:08whole host of exemptions which do allow 18 to 21-year-olds to access
0:24:08 > 0:24:15housing benefit, if those exemptions apply. But I do have to come back to
0:24:15 > 0:24:20this point, that the party opposite don't seem to accept, that is the
0:24:20 > 0:24:26best way that we can sustain the lift people out of poverty is by
0:24:26 > 0:24:32having a welfare system that encourages them to work and
0:24:32 > 0:24:35encourages them to progress in work. That is what Universal Credit does,
0:24:35 > 0:24:40that is what the legacy system failed to do, that is why we are
0:24:40 > 0:24:44making these changes. Question number seven.
0:24:44 > 0:24:51And employment among 16 to 24-year-olds is 5000 and 23,000,
0:24:51 > 0:24:59down 16,000 on the year and down 416,000 since 2010.I welcome those
0:24:59 > 0:25:07figures. In my constituency of Weald and we have just 70 young unemployed
0:25:07 > 0:25:11people. Does the Minister agree with me that making apprenticeships are
0:25:11 > 0:25:14far more available helps young people into jobs, not only in
0:25:14 > 0:25:22Wealden but across the country?Mr Speaker, she has been a great
0:25:22 > 0:25:25campaigner and champion for apprenticeships and it is the case
0:25:25 > 0:25:31that 620 starts in Wealden one of the key policies which have
0:25:31 > 0:25:37contributed to our successful labour market. ...
0:25:37 > 0:25:40What is the trend in unemployment for young people with learning
0:25:40 > 0:25:46difficulties? We absolutely accept that young
0:25:46 > 0:25:49people with learning difficulties need additional assistance and
0:25:49 > 0:25:53understanding of conditions. That is why we have focused on that within
0:25:53 > 0:25:57job centres and making sure they get the support they deserve.
0:25:57 > 0:26:04Question number eight.I thank my right honourable friend for his
0:26:04 > 0:26:09question. The DWP does not set a target for processing pip claims
0:26:09 > 0:26:14that the department takes all reasonable steps to obtain evidence
0:26:14 > 0:26:17of individuals needs, including independent assessment. We make
0:26:17 > 0:26:22decisions as quickly as possible based on the available information,
0:26:22 > 0:26:26in order to reach the right outcome, but I'm sure he will be pleased to
0:26:26 > 0:26:33know that the current median time from start to end is currently 13
0:26:33 > 0:26:39weeks.Notwithstanding further appeal from the Department, will she
0:26:39 > 0:26:45restore benefits after a successful first tier decision by the
0:26:45 > 0:26:49applicant?My honourable friend raises an important question. The
0:26:49 > 0:26:52Department takes the view that because we are appealing the
0:26:52 > 0:26:56decision and it is based on an error of law, that that really would not
0:26:56 > 0:27:02be appropriate. I just want to reassure my honourable friend and
0:27:02 > 0:27:04all honourable members, that there are always exceptions and this would
0:27:04 > 0:27:10arise where racist bench and would cause financial hardship. For most
0:27:10 > 0:27:14benefits, this is considered before suspension is imposed, but in all
0:27:14 > 0:27:18cases, the suspension letter sent to claimants invites them to contact
0:27:18 > 0:27:21the department immediately, if they are in financial hardship, so we can
0:27:21 > 0:27:28help them.
0:27:28 > 0:27:3065% of PIP tribunal is finding favour of the claimant meaning
0:27:30 > 0:27:34hundreds of disabled people are being denied the support they are
0:27:34 > 0:27:37entitled to, this puts an intolerable strain on the whole
0:27:37 > 0:27:42family including my constituents Chris and Catherine, who having
0:27:42 > 0:27:46coped with Catherine's bowel cancer surgeries, brain haemorrhage and
0:27:46 > 0:27:51cardiac arrest in now face a further ordeal appealing against an unjust
0:27:51 > 0:27:56assessment, will the minister agree that this family and Nottingham
0:27:56 > 0:28:02advice services to hear about how the system is failing disabled
0:28:02 > 0:28:10people? -- meet with me and his family.I would be very happy to
0:28:10 > 0:28:13meet with you and this family to hear about their concerns but we
0:28:13 > 0:28:20should get the situation in context. 8% of decisions are appealed, and 4%
0:28:20 > 0:28:25of those are upheld, but behind every statistic is a person and I'm
0:28:25 > 0:28:30very aware of that but it is actually a small percentage of the
0:28:30 > 0:28:35millions of people that do receive their benefits and we are
0:28:35 > 0:28:38continuously focused on making the right decision right from the outset
0:28:38 > 0:28:42and that is why we have commissioned independent reviews and we welcomed
0:28:42 > 0:28:48the findings of the latest one from Paul Gray which has been published
0:28:48 > 0:28:56today and we have accepted all of these recommendations.Thank you.
0:28:56 > 0:29:00Does the minister agree with me that Palgrave's recommendations in the
0:29:00 > 0:29:03second independent review of personal independence payment, that
0:29:03 > 0:29:08the routine provision of the assessment report to the claimant
0:29:08 > 0:29:16would improve identification of error and improve the assessment
0:29:16 > 0:29:21stage and Wiltshire except that particular recommendation? -- will
0:29:21 > 0:29:26she accept.As I have said previously, I'm delighted with the
0:29:26 > 0:29:30review, and to have received its findings, and we have accepted all
0:29:30 > 0:29:34the findings in the review. At the moment those reports are available
0:29:34 > 0:29:41for everyone. But we don't think it is a good use of taxpayers money to
0:29:41 > 0:29:45provide them to people who are happy with the result, who will not be
0:29:45 > 0:29:49going on to make any further appeal and they are actually getting on and
0:29:49 > 0:29:54getting their benefit.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02Mr speaker, the department doesn't make a forecast of the numbers of
0:30:02 > 0:30:05sanctions that will be applied and we don't want sanctions to occur but
0:30:05 > 0:30:10they do play an important part in reasonable condition amity. --
0:30:10 > 0:30:12conditionality.
0:30:15 > 0:30:22I have to say, that sort of Panglossian response shows an
0:30:22 > 0:30:26absence of empathy of understanding, and my constituents say Universal
0:30:26 > 0:30:30Credit as a rock rolling down a hill next April, but this is Christmas
0:30:30 > 0:30:33and we are in the spirit of giving and generosity, with the minister
0:30:33 > 0:30:40join with me to ask for additional secretary and support during those
0:30:40 > 0:30:46dark days when this awful Universal Credit is rolled out and over our
0:30:46 > 0:30:54constituents?The gentleman is going to get round to the West End and
0:30:54 > 0:30:58perform on the stage and he will fool so fulfilled, I think he has
0:30:58 > 0:31:06all the done so -- he will feel. When I say that sanctions are
0:31:06 > 0:31:10considered to be a part of reasonable conditionality, this was
0:31:10 > 0:31:15the approach taken up fully by the previous Labour government, and in
0:31:15 > 0:31:19regards to Universal Credit over Christmas we have in place robust
0:31:19 > 0:31:22processes to make sure that claims get paid and we can bring claims
0:31:22 > 0:31:25forward to make sure that things go smoothly as we always see two at
0:31:25 > 0:31:31Christmas.I matter of some dispute between the gender table and I think
0:31:31 > 0:31:37the gentleman is a representative of a petro currency, but the matter
0:31:37 > 0:31:48remains as yet undetermined. Mr Graham Morris.Thank you. Could I
0:31:48 > 0:31:51refer the minister to the question on Thursday, and can be minister
0:31:51 > 0:31:54provide assurance that when the department makes mistakes the
0:31:54 > 0:32:00administration of Universal Credit, claimants will be fully compensated
0:32:00 > 0:32:09so they will be no worse off?I welcome the question. I have written
0:32:09 > 0:32:12to him today on this specific case but I don't know if that response
0:32:12 > 0:32:16has yet come to hand following his question on Thursday but I will be
0:32:16 > 0:32:20happy to meet with him and discuss this in detail. There was an issue
0:32:20 > 0:32:23at the time the claim was made about some of the information and there
0:32:23 > 0:32:30has been some backdating but we will talk about it later on.The number
0:32:30 > 0:32:33of people in employment has increased by more than 3 million
0:32:33 > 0:32:37since 2010 to reach 32 million in the last quarter, the implement rate
0:32:37 > 0:32:41is close to the record high and has increased by almost five percentage
0:32:41 > 0:32:45points since widget and -- employment rate.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54Unemployment has continued to fall, so would my friend agree that this
0:32:54 > 0:32:56suggests the government's policies and the work of our great job
0:32:56 > 0:33:00centres are making all the difference in matching job-seekers
0:33:00 > 0:33:05with jobs available and would he thank Ian 's boarding the manager of
0:33:05 > 0:33:16the Newark job centre and his great start -- staff who have made sure
0:33:16 > 0:33:22that unemployment in Newark is only 1% -- Ian Spalding.I will say
0:33:22 > 0:33:25thanks to him and the Jobcentre staff up and down the country to do
0:33:25 > 0:33:29a job in helping to reduce unemployment and in Newark the
0:33:29 > 0:33:39claimant out -- has fallen by 42%. And in the meetings I have had with
0:33:39 > 0:33:44job centre staff they are enthusiastic in promoting Universal
0:33:44 > 0:33:46Credit because they concede this will help them make further
0:33:46 > 0:33:51progress.Is the minister not aware that there are hundreds of thousands
0:33:51 > 0:33:55of people in this country yearning for a good job and a well-paid job,
0:33:55 > 0:34:00many of them young people who can't get an apprenticeship, 62% down
0:34:00 > 0:34:06apprenticeship starts this year, FV colleges in trouble, when will he do
0:34:06 > 0:34:09something in terms of training young people and giving them a chance --
0:34:09 > 0:34:14further education colleges.He will be aware that the recent
0:34:14 > 0:34:19apprenticeship numbers were affected by Spike at the end of the last
0:34:19 > 0:34:27previous period but the reality is we have increased the number of
0:34:27 > 0:34:32apprenticeships in recent years and we have introduced the
0:34:32 > 0:34:36apprenticeship levy which puts them on a sustainable financial footing
0:34:36 > 0:34:39and it is this government with our industrial strategy that is making
0:34:39 > 0:34:43sure that we are creating the highly skilled jobs that we need in this
0:34:43 > 0:34:47country.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52The craving process the personal independence payment was co-produced
0:34:52 > 0:34:58with disabled people -- claiming. And also carers and organisations
0:34:58 > 0:35:01helping them including mental health territories, and we will continue to
0:35:01 > 0:35:06explore opportunities to monitor and improve the process making use of
0:35:06 > 0:35:13customer testing and engagement with disability groups.A charity survey
0:35:13 > 0:35:18PIP claimants and they found that two out of five felt delays led to a
0:35:18 > 0:35:21deterioration in their mental self and one in five had to take higher
0:35:21 > 0:35:26doses in medication to cope with the increased stress, does the minister
0:35:26 > 0:35:37think that is acceptable?I would like to pay tribute to the campaign
0:35:37 > 0:35:41and I have read their findings with interest and also to our key
0:35:41 > 0:35:47stakeholders Mind, who helped us get this right, and I do want to see
0:35:47 > 0:35:51people stressed by the process and that is why we are implementing a
0:35:51 > 0:35:54wide range of reforms which we have worked on with our stakeholders
0:35:54 > 0:36:00where ever possible, where ever the information enables us to, we will
0:36:00 > 0:36:05make a paper-based decision and people also have the opportunity to
0:36:05 > 0:36:14be assessed at home, as well.... In North Durham they have told me that
0:36:14 > 0:36:23the assessment is too black and white and is not able to truly paint
0:36:23 > 0:36:27a picture of someone's daily life, this is leading to truly dramatic
0:36:27 > 0:36:32and horrific experiences, regarding claims that people really need them
0:36:32 > 0:36:37up with be minister have a look into this? -- would be minister have a
0:36:37 > 0:36:44look into this?We keep it under constant review and we have this
0:36:44 > 0:36:46independently reviewed to back sure that if they are any problems we
0:36:46 > 0:36:51will work to overcome them. -- to make sure. But compared to the
0:36:51 > 0:36:55previous benefit many more PIP recipients with mental health
0:36:55 > 0:36:57problems are getting the enhanced rates far more than they did under
0:36:57 > 0:36:59DLA.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08We are committed to making sure that claimants receive high-quality
0:37:08 > 0:37:12accurate assessments and we monitor assessment quality through
0:37:12 > 0:37:19independent audit, decision-makers can return reports rework and
0:37:19 > 0:37:22additional rewrites, and a range of measures including improvement
0:37:22 > 0:37:28plans, when we experience them below what we want. We continually look to
0:37:28 > 0:37:32improve the assessment process.40 people in Wakefield have written
0:37:32 > 0:37:39with their concerns that there PIP assessment, they were not seen by an
0:37:39 > 0:37:44appropriate person, including one person with mental health problems
0:37:44 > 0:37:49who was assessed by a paramedic. The work and pensions committee heard
0:37:49 > 0:37:54that only four doctors were employed and statistics released by this
0:37:54 > 0:37:59department showed those contractors have failed to meet their targets
0:37:59 > 0:38:03for the number of unacceptable assessments, so how can sick and
0:38:03 > 0:38:06disabled people in Wakefield have any confidence in the assessment
0:38:06 > 0:38:11process?I'm looking forward to discussing this matter in more depth
0:38:11 > 0:38:15with the select committee when I come before you on Wednesday, but I
0:38:15 > 0:38:22can assure you that all of the assessors receive the appropriate
0:38:22 > 0:38:26training for what they are there to do, these are functional assessments
0:38:26 > 0:38:29where they are properly trained to make those assessments, doctors and
0:38:29 > 0:38:36nurses and paramedics, as your therapist is. -- physiotherapists.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39We constantly keep this under review, including the spirits of the
0:38:39 > 0:38:43claimant 's themselves.Alan Brown.
0:38:45 > 0:38:52Thank you. I received a variety of representations, orally and in
0:38:52 > 0:38:56writing and in debates.
0:39:01 > 0:39:10... Will take the threshold over £60 billion by the year 2025, should a
0:39:10 > 0:39:17caring minister and Secretary of State not argue... Ending
0:39:17 > 0:39:23austerities.I would revert the gentleman to two particular points,
0:39:23 > 0:39:32we have made differing views on tax action in this country, and we
0:39:32 > 0:39:42believe cuts to corporation tax will contribute to the jobs we all want,
0:39:42 > 0:39:45and the Scottish Government have powers for working age people to
0:39:45 > 0:39:48take action on the specific points that he keeps raising, that his
0:39:48 > 0:39:58government fails to do anything about.Stephen Lloyd.As the
0:39:58 > 0:40:01minister will be aware, in last week's debate it was clear that
0:40:01 > 0:40:04there are a number of colleagues behind him who supported much of
0:40:04 > 0:40:08colleagues on this side of the house for the government's lock on
0:40:08 > 0:40:20transitional arrangements for... So why not call a binding vote so the
0:40:20 > 0:40:23House can actually advise the minister to do the right thing for
0:40:23 > 0:40:30INAUDIBLE Women? In days gone by the Lib Dems
0:40:30 > 0:40:35were a party of fiscal discipline, and in 2011 about he and I accepted
0:40:35 > 0:40:39the need to take the decisions that were made and he also joined us in
0:40:39 > 0:40:43the lobby to vote on it but it is a shame that he has forgotten those
0:40:43 > 0:40:51views now.Kevin Foster.We carry out a range of implementation
0:40:51 > 0:40:55activities in advance of activation to make sure that sites are well
0:40:55 > 0:40:58prepared and we have rolled out to 235 job centres to date.Kevin
0:40:58 > 0:41:06Foster.Roll out the full-service Universal Credit in Torbay is due to
0:41:06 > 0:41:10happen in 2018, it is vital claimants understand the system and
0:41:10 > 0:41:17their options, could he confirm what the department is doing the Torbay's
0:41:17 > 0:41:22local work advice so that claimants can get such support if needed?Yes,
0:41:22 > 0:41:26we are making sure that stakeholders including the key advice services
0:41:26 > 0:41:29have a proper overview of Universal Credit and we work closely with the
0:41:29 > 0:41:36citizens advice bureau and others, engaging with local authorities and
0:41:36 > 0:41:38others to make sure there is a joined up approach to supporting
0:41:38 > 0:41:44payments.I will interpret the answer as being wide and therefore
0:41:44 > 0:41:49admitted of other constituencies but it isn't clear beyond that. Stephen
0:41:49 > 0:41:57Timms.There will be problems in Torbay and elsewhere if the
0:41:57 > 0:42:00Universal Credit calculation is wrong, and the minister told me in a
0:42:00 > 0:42:05written answer that there is no specific initiative called Lake
0:42:05 > 0:42:10missing an incorrect, but it turns out that there is, runs by his
0:42:10 > 0:42:17department and HMRC -- called late. Will he confirm that if information
0:42:17 > 0:42:20is late, missing or incorrect, then the Universal Credit cancellation
0:42:20 > 0:42:27will be wrong?
0:42:27 > 0:42:30We all admire the right honourable gentleman's deafness in getting from
0:42:30 > 0:42:38Torbay to that point, -- deftness. We want to make sure that every
0:42:38 > 0:42:42aspect of Universal Credit is working entirely as it should and he
0:42:42 > 0:42:47has my commitment.He will also experience a long journey and we
0:42:47 > 0:42:52empathise with the honourable gentleman on his long journey from
0:42:52 > 0:42:59East Ham to Torbay. Since 2015 the level of social
0:42:59 > 0:43:07security spending on families in work has reduced. This has been over
0:43:07 > 0:43:11a period when we have introduced the National Living Wage, Clement has
0:43:11 > 0:43:15reached record levels, free childcare has doubled, the personal
0:43:15 > 0:43:20allowance has increased and income inequality has continued to fall.
0:43:20 > 0:43:28With 8 million people living in poverty in working households, and
0:43:28 > 0:43:3328% of my constituency of Crewe and Nantwich earning below the voluntary
0:43:33 > 0:43:36Living Wage, what action is the minister taking to address the
0:43:36 > 0:43:46Labour market inequalities with low paid, low skilled and insecure work?
0:43:46 > 0:43:51Let me give you two examples, one of the industrial strategy, secondly,
0:43:51 > 0:43:55if we want to address in-work poverty, one way we can do that is
0:43:55 > 0:43:59to assure that people are able to work extra hours and we need to
0:43:59 > 0:44:05benefit system, we need a benefit system that does not trap them on
0:44:05 > 0:44:11working 16 hours a week. If they work extra hours, they can increase
0:44:11 > 0:44:14their income. Looking back over these trends, has
0:44:14 > 0:44:18he drawn the conclusion that every Labour government leaves office with
0:44:18 > 0:44:22higher unemployment than when they took office, and what impact does he
0:44:22 > 0:44:27believe that house on working families?I think he makes an
0:44:27 > 0:44:32extremely good point, and I thought we heard a very revealing comment a
0:44:32 > 0:44:37little earlier today, when from the Labour front bench, they said work
0:44:37 > 0:44:42is not the route out of poverty. If work is not the route out of
0:44:42 > 0:44:55poverty, exactly what is?Order. Number one.
0:44:55 > 0:44:58Mr Speaker, since automatic enrolment was introduced in 2012,
0:44:58 > 0:45:03nine million people have been enrolled in a workplace pension by
0:45:03 > 0:45:09over 9000 employees. Today, I can announce the Government's plan to
0:45:09 > 0:45:11extend automatic enrolment to help more people achieve financial
0:45:11 > 0:45:15security later in life. The Government's review published today
0:45:15 > 0:45:19sets out the next steps as we continue to develop a culture of
0:45:19 > 0:45:24routine pension saving. We will help young people to save by lowering the
0:45:24 > 0:45:28age of automatic enrolment from 22 to 18, and we will enable people to
0:45:28 > 0:45:32start saving from the first pound of their earnings, to provide a better
0:45:32 > 0:45:42retirement income for lower earners and those in multiple jobs. I have
0:45:42 > 0:45:43today tabled a written statement setting out further detail,
0:45:43 > 0:45:50including targeted approaches to set out the most effective ways of
0:45:50 > 0:45:56increasing pension saving.Daniel Zeichner.Thank you, Mr Speaker. A
0:45:56 > 0:46:05superannuation scheme transferred to scheme transfers all risk to the
0:46:05 > 0:46:11employee. Many sages overcautious accounting rules which drive these
0:46:11 > 0:46:14changes, putting pressure on universities. What is the Minister
0:46:14 > 0:46:20doing to protect our higher education sector both Mac I thank
0:46:20 > 0:46:24the honourable gentleman for his question.A changes that might be
0:46:24 > 0:46:29made to this scheme are a matter for the joint negotiation committee of
0:46:29 > 0:46:34the scheme, not the Government. The independent pensions regulator
0:46:34 > 0:46:38remains in ongoing discussions. Nothing has been brought to DWP's
0:46:38 > 0:46:42attention which we consider to be of concern and it would be improper for
0:46:42 > 0:46:46the Government to the joint negotiation committee how to run the
0:46:46 > 0:46:50scheme. I am welcome my right for a macro's
0:46:50 > 0:47:01recent announcement of all to enrolment for 18 to 20 ones. Does he
0:47:01 > 0:47:04have any figures about Sami people have started saving and benefiting
0:47:04 > 0:47:05from auto enrolment in constituencies including mine?
0:47:05 > 0:47:12Sister to 12, 7000 employees in: South Park Shia have benefited from
0:47:12 > 0:47:16a workplace pension from automatic enrolment, and our thanks are due to
0:47:16 > 0:47:21the 820 local employers. State pensions have risen since 2010 but
0:47:21 > 0:47:25we want to do more and we are extending it to 18 to 21-year-olds
0:47:25 > 0:47:32in his area. Secretary of State will be aware of
0:47:32 > 0:47:37the crisis involving members of the British steel pension scheme by
0:47:37 > 0:47:43advisers cashing in persuading them to sink their pensions and all
0:47:43 > 0:47:47manner of dodgy schemes. They will also be aware of the failure of the
0:47:47 > 0:47:53SCA to deal with that effectively? And today with the details of the
0:47:53 > 0:47:57universities superannuation scheme is coming to ahead with the threat
0:47:57 > 0:48:01of industrial action. I'm surprised you simply sitting back and leaving
0:48:01 > 0:48:04those matters to those directly involved. Surely he can tell us
0:48:04 > 0:48:10today how he will get directly involved and take to prevent members
0:48:10 > 0:48:15-- protect members of both schemes. The position is that they worked
0:48:15 > 0:48:19through with the pensions regulator and pension protection fund is,
0:48:19 > 0:48:22particularly in relation to British steel, to assure members get
0:48:22 > 0:48:29information on the effect of their pensions rights. This include
0:48:29 > 0:48:34newsletters, websites, bespoke options packs. The Financial Conduct
0:48:34 > 0:48:39Authority have also stepped in and variety of organisations and are
0:48:39 > 0:48:45providing proper advice going forward.What steps has my right
0:48:45 > 0:48:49honourable friend's department taken to help people who are older, who
0:48:49 > 0:48:51perhaps after redundancy or caring responsibilities are looking to get
0:48:51 > 0:48:57back into work?My honourable friend raises a very important point. There
0:48:57 > 0:49:01are more working people in older age groups now than there have ever been
0:49:01 > 0:49:06before, but much more needs to be done. That is why we published our
0:49:06 > 0:49:09full working life strategy. Many employers are waking up to these
0:49:09 > 0:49:15possibilities. We also make sure we have more older worker champions.
0:49:15 > 0:49:18Reports suggest that the Foreign Secretary, the Environment Secretary
0:49:18 > 0:49:23and others used this morning's Cabinet meeting to start a campaign
0:49:23 > 0:49:28to scrap the Working Time Directive after Brexit, which has protection
0:49:28 > 0:49:34for paid holidays and extra protection for night workers. Can
0:49:34 > 0:49:37the Secretary of State confirm what discussions he has had and ensuring
0:49:37 > 0:49:39that his colleagues are not successful in ripping up our
0:49:39 > 0:49:45workers' rights?I think it is the case that my right honourable
0:49:45 > 0:49:50friend, the Secretary of State, don't believe everything you read in
0:49:50 > 0:49:54the newspapers. This government is committed to protecting employment
0:49:54 > 0:50:01rights.Can I thank my right honourable friend for the
0:50:01 > 0:50:04flexibility he has shown in the budget in terms of the changes to
0:50:04 > 0:50:09Universal Credit and ask if they will continue and the flexibility he
0:50:09 > 0:50:17has shown?I can certainly assure my honourable friend that we will
0:50:17 > 0:50:25continue to listen to constructive critics and indeed those wanting to
0:50:25 > 0:50:29make sure that Universal Credit works, and in doing so, can I thank
0:50:29 > 0:50:31my honourable friend for the positive and constructive engagement
0:50:31 > 0:50:36that he has shown, and I think what is very clear is on this side of the
0:50:36 > 0:50:40House, we are united in ensuring that we deliver Universal Credit
0:50:40 > 0:50:49successfully.68% of pit decisions taken to tribunal are being
0:50:49 > 0:50:54overturned by judges, so is it unsurprising that my constituent Mr
0:50:54 > 0:50:57Parrish and others in his situation have no faith in the assessment
0:50:57 > 0:51:04process. What assessment has the secretary of made regarding PIP
0:51:04 > 0:51:08vestments which show a ninefold increase in complaints to the
0:51:08 > 0:51:15department in just one year?As I mentioned before, 8% of decisions
0:51:15 > 0:51:22are taken to appeal, and only half of those are upheld. Everyone of
0:51:22 > 0:51:25those people, obviously, I appreciate, is disappointed with
0:51:25 > 0:51:31that result, and we are working tirelessly to improve the process.
0:51:31 > 0:51:39But overall, most people get a good decision on time and their benefits.
0:51:39 > 0:51:43On Friday I visited my local job centre and saw the genuine
0:51:43 > 0:51:49enthusiasm that work coaches have for the new Universal Credit system.
0:51:49 > 0:51:52Will my honourable friend confirmed that additional help is available
0:51:52 > 0:52:00for users who are not to tech savvy. Yes, indeed, he is right about the
0:52:00 > 0:52:03enthusiasm of job centre staff for Universal Credit, or because it
0:52:03 > 0:52:07enables them to help people get on into work and yes, there are
0:52:07 > 0:52:09computers available in job centres and there is assistance available
0:52:09 > 0:52:16when needed. With the uncertainty of Universal
0:52:16 > 0:52:20Credit payments following the roll-out in Swansea last week, my
0:52:20 > 0:52:26local paper has coordinated a collection of food and warm clothes
0:52:26 > 0:52:32to help those in need. Will the Minister join me in congratulating
0:52:32 > 0:52:35the South Wales evening Post for doing what the Government is failing
0:52:35 > 0:52:39to do and making sure everyone has a good Christmas.What I would say to
0:52:39 > 0:52:44win one, whether it be members of Parliament, newspapers, advisory
0:52:44 > 0:52:49bodies and food banks, is that we need to make sure that the facts are
0:52:49 > 0:52:52put out two new claimants will stop if they need to get access to
0:52:52 > 0:52:55support, they can get it quickly, they need to get into contact with
0:52:55 > 0:53:00their job centre and they are able to access an advance. And they can
0:53:00 > 0:53:05get that money before Christmas. Does the Minister agree with me that
0:53:05 > 0:53:10auto enrolment has been a success to date and it is right to lower it to
0:53:10 > 0:53:14age 18, but the politicians, pensions industry and everyone must
0:53:14 > 0:53:17work together to meet the savings and pensions challenges facing this
0:53:17 > 0:53:22country?I could not agree with my honourable friend more and I'm
0:53:22 > 0:53:27delighted that we have 9 million people signed up to auto enrolment,
0:53:27 > 0:53:32utterly transforming workplace pension savings and his secular
0:53:32 > 0:53:35constituency, 8000 employees and 6080 employers have signed up and
0:53:35 > 0:53:44great credit to them. My constituent in Radford West had
0:53:44 > 0:53:49three of her assessment is cancelled for a period of five weeks. She
0:53:49 > 0:53:54eventually got a home visit after seven months. What assessment have
0:53:54 > 0:53:57the department made of same-day cancellations, of workplace
0:53:57 > 0:54:02capability assessments from health professionals, the number, the
0:54:02 > 0:54:07reasons given and the impact on the mental health but our guns?I thank
0:54:07 > 0:54:10the honourable lady for her question, and I can assure her that
0:54:10 > 0:54:14we have a very robust quality assurance process, but clearly from
0:54:14 > 0:54:18the case she has highlighted today, that is unacceptable. If you would
0:54:18 > 0:54:23like to bring that case and discuss it with me, then I would be very
0:54:23 > 0:54:30happy to do so. Every year, billions of pounds of
0:54:30 > 0:54:34taxpayers money I lost due to fraudulent or errors in benefit
0:54:34 > 0:54:37claims. Can the Secretary of State saved whether the introduction of
0:54:37 > 0:54:44Universal Credit will improve this? My honourable friend makes a very
0:54:44 > 0:54:49good point, and one of the areas of good news about Universal Credit, is
0:54:49 > 0:54:54the fact that it will be able to reduce fraud by over £1 billion.
0:54:54 > 0:54:59That in itself is an important step. There are many other very positive
0:54:59 > 0:55:03reasons why Universal Credit is a good thing.
0:55:03 > 0:55:08I recently met with Hope rising action group who work in my
0:55:08 > 0:55:11constituency to support those affected by the Government's benefit
0:55:11 > 0:55:20cap and I heard stories of just how hard people are being hit by pension
0:55:20 > 0:55:24cuts. Can the Minister please tell me how many people in Bradford will
0:55:24 > 0:55:30be affected by this policy?We have to show we have a welfare system
0:55:30 > 0:55:35that is not only fair to those in receipt of welfare but also those
0:55:35 > 0:55:39who pay for it. The lower cap is fair to both households and the
0:55:39 > 0:55:43taxpayer. Before the cap the Department for Work and Pensions
0:55:43 > 0:55:50spent a disproportionate amount every year on just 300 families.
0:55:50 > 0:55:52For those job-seekers are my constituency, overwhelmingly it is
0:55:52 > 0:55:55the can-do attitude of professionals and the dedication of work coaches
0:55:55 > 0:56:00that they value that will help them find work, and especially at this
0:56:00 > 0:56:05time of year we as a house should definitely pay tribute to. Can I ask
0:56:05 > 0:56:10my right honourable friend how the work coaches will help those find
0:56:10 > 0:56:14work?I can confirm we have been recruiting work coaches in every
0:56:14 > 0:56:18region of the UK. We are seeking to do with more with Universal Credit,
0:56:18 > 0:56:23provide more support and ensure that four in work support, what is needed
0:56:23 > 0:56:30is there. To constituents came to my surgery
0:56:30 > 0:56:36concerned about a switch of interest payments would force them out of the
0:56:36 > 0:56:40private sector and on to housing benefit and cost the taxpayer more
0:56:40 > 0:56:46money. Is this not more evidence of Tory austerity hitting the poorest
0:56:46 > 0:56:52hardest?Mr Speaker, the conversion of SMI from a benefit alone is
0:56:52 > 0:56:56intended to retain support to owner occupied claimants in a more
0:56:56 > 0:56:59sustainable way, but also increasing fairness to taxpayers, many of whom
0:56:59 > 0:57:08cannot afford to buy a home of their own.What steps is his department
0:57:08 > 0:57:12taken to ensure DWP staff awareness of military covenant issues, so they
0:57:12 > 0:57:15are best able to support our brave men and women when they leave the
0:57:15 > 0:57:21Armed Forces?Mr Speaker, he is absolutely right. Our veterans make
0:57:21 > 0:57:26an important than to our country and it is right that we support them.
0:57:26 > 0:57:30DWP staff receive continual