Topical Questions 2022-03-21
2022-03-21
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The Homes for Ukraine scheme was recently opened with significant public interest. The MP acknowledges the ongoing support measures but inquires about the specifics of the department's responsibilities.
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities regarding the Homes for Ukraine scheme which has seen more than 150,000 Britons register their interest and Ukrainian evacuees receive DWP benefits from day one with support from Jobcentres and flexible funds.
Our Homes for Ukraine scheme was formally opened for applications on Friday, with more than 150,000 Britons registering their interest. Ukrainian evacuees coming to this country are able to access DWP benefits, support and services from day one, and jobcentres will be helping people to find and move into employment, with assistance from an assigned work coach. Extra support will be available through our flexible support fund.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The local Jobcentre Plus team has reported success with the Government's Kickstart programme, placing 163 young people in Harrogate. The MP is concerned about building on this success with the new Way to Work scheme.
The excellent team at my local Jobcentre Plus have briefed my office that they have placed 163 young people in Harrogate in work through the Government's kickstart programme. Will the Secretary of State ensure that the new Way to Work scheme builds on that, especially in sectors where we are seeing workforce shortages, such as social care?
My hon. Friend is right to praise the young people in his constituency who have started their careers thanks to kickstart. Way to Work will build on our success in bringing employers and claimants together in jobcentres so that we can try to fill local vacancies, and will ensure that when candidates do not succeed in getting job interviews, they receive the feedback much more quickly. We will continue to try to directly address the barriers to entering roles in social care through job fairs and informed campaigns.
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Assessment & feedback
did not provide specifics on how Way to Work scheme will build upon kickstart specifically for social care workforce shortages
Under Review
Looking At This
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Families are facing rising energy costs, tax rises, real-terms pension cuts, and severe benefits reductions as per Martin Lewis's assessment.
Families and retirees are facing rising energy bills so unaffordable, tax rises so punishing, real-terms cuts in the basic state pension so deep, and cuts in universal credit and disability benefits so severe that money-saving expert Martin Lewis has said that people will either starve or freeze. Secretary of State, Mr Lewis is correct, is he not?
We still have the household support fund, which is available for people to apply to, to get extra support from their local council. I encourage people who are struggling right now to make that approach to their council as quickly as possible.
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Assessment & feedback
did not address the correctness of Martin Lewis's assessment or acknowledge the impacts of rising costs and benefit cuts
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The basic state pension is being cut in real terms, breaking the triple lock promise as highlighted by The Daily Telegraph.
People are struggling right now, and the Secretary of State is about to cut benefits to the tune of £500 for 9 million households. That is a choice that she has made. She has also made a choice by breaking her promise on the triple lock and cutting the basic state pension in real terms by £388 this year, according to The Daily Telegraph. Her justification for that was that the increase in earnings was at 8%. The Bank of England estimates that inflation will hit 8%. Can she rule out breaking the triple lock again this year?
As was explained at the time of the emergency legislation, the increase in earnings was a statistical anomaly due to the impacts of covid. That is why the Opposition supported the Bill right through this House on its very first day—
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Assessment & feedback
did not address the question about ruling out breaking the triple lock or provide specifics regarding inflation and economic conditions.
Deflecting To Past Events
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
Investment in technical skills is vital to the Government's levelling-up agenda.
The jobs of the future, especially in the green industries, require technical skills, and investing in people to improve their technical skills is vital to the Government's levelling-up agenda, which is particularly important in beautiful Hastings and Rye. What steps is my hon. Friend taking to increase the technical skills levels of people who are already in work?
I thank my hon. Friend for that question, which I think will interest the hon. Member for Wirral South (Alison McGovern) as well. From April this year, our new DWP in-work progression offer will support working universal credit claimants to progress and increase their earnings. It will include better support to upskill and retrain, and low-paid workers are eligible for training funded by the Department for Education via skills boot camps in digital engineering and the green sectors.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The Child Maintenance Service has faced issues with self-employed fee-paying parents hiding income and previously uncooperative parents being moved off collect and pay after minimal evidence.
It is welcome that the Government have proposed reforms to the Child Maintenance Service following the recent National Audit Office report highlighting the failures in that organisation. Will the reforms address the issues with self-employed fee-paying parents hiding their income, as well as the concerns around previously uncooperative parents being moved off collect and pay after minimal evidence of compliance?
The hon. Lady raises an important point. All parents automatically go into the direct payment process. I am working with my noble Friend Baroness Stedman-Scott, the Minister who has direct responsibility for this portfolio, to see what more we can do to accelerate reform if people are clearly not being compliant and not paying. Meanwhile, our financial investigations unit will investigate where people are hiding money and, if necessary, take them to court to ensure that the money gets paid.
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Assessment & feedback
did not specify how reforms would address self-employed parents hiding income or lack of evidence for compliance before moving off collect and pay
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Improved transport infrastructure is essential to ensure that people in deprived areas can get to work.
I would like to thank our local DWP officials and work coaches for their efforts to help more people in Delyn into work in the past few months. Some parts of my constituency remain among the most deprived in Wales. Does the Minister agree that improved transport infrastructure is key to ensuring that people can get to jobs? I appreciate that she is not a Minister in the Department for Transport, but will she in principle support my campaign to have a train station reinstated to serve Holywell and Greenfield, to help people to access more jobs and level up their communities?
I am going to try, Mr Speaker. That may be a devolved issue, but I would point out that many employers in Wales have been putting on transportation to bring workers in. That has been happening particularly in Ynys Môn—in Anglesey—to support production there. Working with the jobcentre to put on suitable transport makes a difference in getting people into work too.
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Assessment & feedback
did not address if improved transport infrastructure is key or provide clear support for reinstating train station campaign
Deflecting To Devolved Issue
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The state pension has been uprated by 3.1%, which is below the expected inflation rate of 6.2% or 8%. Pensioners are facing difficulties paying for basic essentials.
I am concerned about pensions and benefits being uprated by 3.1% while inflation is set to be 6.2% or 10%, meaning pensioners will not be able to afford basic essentials. How can the Minister justify this real-terms cut?
The state pension has increased by over 5% in the past two years. There is £5 billion worth of pension credit available, and the Chancellor's package for energy bills amounts to £9.1 billion. I encourage constituents to apply for these benefits.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific ask about reconciling the discrepancy between the pension increase and inflation rate
General Encouragement To Apply For Available Benefits
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Many organisations, such as those in care services and hospitality, are struggling with staff shortages.
Organisations in various industries are finding it hard to recruit workers. What specific measures will the Government take to connect these industries with job seekers?
There are currently over 1.2 million vacancies. People are better off in work than on benefits, and we need to help people change their lives through the Way to Work programme at jobcentres.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific measures to address labour shortages
Emphasis On General Principle That People Are Better Off In Work
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent named Patricia is a disabled pensioner struggling with high living costs, especially fuel expenses. She relies on carers whose services are expensive.
My constituent Patricia, a disabled pensioner, says her state pension does not cover the rising cost of living and energy bills. What specific support can the Secretary of State provide to help disabled pensioners like Patricia?
I urge constituents to contact their local authority for access to funds. There is £9.1 billion from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities fund and efforts are being made on multiple fronts.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify targeted assistance for disabled pensioners
General Encouragement To Contact Local Authority
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
The closure of a DWP back-office function in Bishop Auckland has affected 55 jobs. Concerns have been raised about finding suitable new roles or exit packages for these employees.
Some constituents are concerned that moving their jobs would be incompatible with work-life balance, particularly caring responsibilities. Will the Minister confirm tailored support to find new roles or exit packages if necessary?
Our Department is committed to supporting staff and customers. We are working directly with affected employees, using hybrid practices to retain them and provide better working experiences.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm tailored support or exit packages
General Commitment To Support
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
Disabled people need extra power for essential equipment, and cutting back on energy is not an option.
People with disabilities rely on powered equipment that cannot be turned off to save money. What specific measures will the Government take to support these individuals facing unmanageable energy bills?
My hon. Friends have set out different types of support available. We will continue to look at opportunities to help people, and I encourage constituents to access the local council's household support fund.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify measures for disabled individuals needing extra power
General Encouragement To Use Existing Funds
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
There are concerns about relocating DWP jobs from Stockton down the road to Middlesbrough, potentially leading to job losses in Teesside.
Will the Minister assure me that efforts will be made to keep as many jobs as possible in Teesside and work with local leaders to find suitable spaces?
This move is about turning opportunities into larger hubs, offering better career prospects. People will work two days a week nearby and have hybrid working arrangements to support their needs.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify efforts for job preservation in Teesside
General Commitment To Larger Hubs
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
A report by Rethink Mental Illness highlights that the DWP does not investigate claims from individuals who have suffered significant harm, including mental health crises, self-harm, or suicide attempts.
A recent report highlighted that the Department for Work and Pensions is not carrying out investigations of claimants who have suffered serious harm. With concerns about the cost of living crisis driving people to such situations, will the Department instigate independent reviews of those affected in the claims process?
The hon. Lady raises an important point. I am confident that my Department and officials will undertake their duties carefully and considerately, responding to local investigations by social services and learning from broader themes through the Serious Case Panel.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to initiating independent reviews specifically for those who have suffered serious harm in the claims process.
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
The closure of a Department for Work and Pensions office may result in over 200 job losses in Stoke-on-Trent, an area with below-average salaries and higher unemployment.
Will the Minister work to retain jobs in Stoke-on-Trent where wages are below the UK average and unemployment is high, collaborating with local authorities for a new hub within the city?
The Minister addresses concerns about job losses, emphasizing the importance of staff consultation and embracing hybrid working. She mentions more than 920 buildings housing 168,000 people and highlights back-office function retention.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific actions to retain jobs or find a new hub in Stoke-on-Trent.
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
The family resources survey now reports on food insecurity, with inadequate benefits cited as a key reason pre-pandemic. The recent 3.1% increase in benefits contrasts with an expected inflation peak at 8%.
With the upcoming high inflation peak compared to the modest 3.1% benefit increase, does the Secretary of State think this will make people more or less able to afford food?
The uprating was in line with inflation as calculated since 1987. Additional support is available through the Chancellor's three-part plan and the household support fund.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether a 3.1% increase would help people afford food better or worse in high inflation conditions.
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
Blackpool South has one of the highest unemployment rates, with over 1,000 job vacancies locally. Businesses struggle to recruit despite these roles.
What steps are being taken to ensure those who can work do not refuse reasonable employment offers, given that many claimants avoid interviews?
The Minister mentions a successful jobs fair in Blackpool South. The intensive work search regime enforces claimants looking for and accepting available work.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps to ensure those who can work do not refuse reasonable employment offers.
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister referred to a modest increase in pension credit take-up, but this could be due to removing mixed-age pensioner couples from eligibility.
Does the Minister recognize that the reported increase is likely not genuine, given changes in eligibility rules? Is it time for an ambitious target and action plan?
We already have an engagement strategy with key organizations. Pension credit take-up has increased by 3%, and we are making the case for claims to carers or family members on behalf of others.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not acknowledge the possible impact of eligibility rule changes, nor commit to an ambitious target or action plan.
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
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Context
Almost £4 million of pension credit remains unclaimed, indicating missed opportunities for vulnerable pensioners to claim their benefits.
What advice can be given to constituents and others to encourage them to take up pension credit worth over £3,000?
The Minister hopes a local paper letter explains the importance of claiming pension credit for vulnerable individuals. He encourages constituents to claim because it is serious money that could help them.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific advice or action plan to encourage pension credit claims in Darlington.
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
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Context
Many pensioners in North Shropshire are struggling with the cost of living crisis, making difficult choices between heating and eating despite lifetime promises of care upon retirement.
Countless pensioners across my constituency have been forced to make the heartbreaking choice between heating and eating. They were told all their lives that if they worked hard enough then, when their time came to retire, we would take care of them. However, it is evident from those contacting me that that is no longer the case. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that older people are aware of and able to access the benefits for which they are eligible?
My hon. Friend the Pensions Minister has already set out the huge number of ways that we are trying to increase awareness. I think it is accurate to say, from internal management information, that we have seen a 30% increase in people applying, so we are encouraging take-up. The lowest proportion of pensioners taking up such things are those with an income above the basic state pension who are still entitled to savings credit, and we need to work harder on that.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps for North Shropshire were not addressed
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
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Context
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is encouraging benefits claimants to apply for various top-up funds due to the cost of living crisis.
With the DWP urging benefits claimants to apply for various top-up funds to help with the mounting cost of living crisis, what steps is the Secretary of State taking to increase awareness of the warm home discount scheme and to maximise take-up in my constituency?
The hon. Lady has been working with my hon. Friend the Pensions Minister on a Bill that will hopefully succeed in the upper House, and she will know that we are working through several avenues to try to increase take-up. The warm home discount will be going up later this year, and we estimate that the number of people who will qualify for the increase in the discount will go up by a third.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps for the constituency were not addressed
Response accuracy
Q22
Partial Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State made a comment suggesting that Mr Speaker is being rewarded for the ministerial team's efficiency.
Although the Secretary of State might be used to dishing out sanctions to people in our constituencies, I gently suggest that it is inappropriate for her to try to do that to you in the Chair.
No one is sanctioning anybody here today. I was just pointing out how efficient this ministerial team is, which reflects the effective work that we do on the behalf of claimants across the country.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific appropriateness of comments not addressed
Changing Subject
Response accuracy