Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19 Support: Eligibility

Monday 19 October 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial support measures during the pandemic include the furlough scheme, retaining 9.6 million jobs and distributing 5.6 billion through the second self-employment income support scheme.
  • David Davis questioned the minister about the welfare support for people ineligible for economic support packages during the covid-19 outbreak.
  • The minister directed the question regarding small businesses and their employees to the Chancellor of the Exchequer or HM Treasury, as universal credit is available for both in-work and out-of-work benefit seekers.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Davis Con Goole and Pocklington
Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

During the COVID-19 outbreak, some individuals were not eligible for economic support packages. The questioner seeks information on steps taken to assist these individuals.

Question

What steps she has taken to support the welfare of people ineligible for the Government's economic support packages during the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Will Quince

During the pandemic, several economic support measures have been announced by the Chancellor, including supporting the retention of 9.6 million jobs through the furlough scheme. Additionally, 2.2 million individuals have claimed £5.6 billion under the second self-employment income support scheme grant announced by the Chancellor as part of his winter economic plan. The Department has spent £9.3 billion on additional support, including the increase of the universal credit standard allowance by £20 a week.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not directly address steps for those ineligible but provided general welfare support measures.

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Q2 David Davis Con Goole and Pocklington
Economy Business & Trade Benefits & Welfare
Context

Small businesses account for about 13 million people employed, which is approximately 60% of the workforce. The questioner mentions a survey by ForgottenLtd showing that 70% of its members receive no benefit at all.

Question

Small businesses account for about 13 million people employed, which is about 60% of the workforce, and many of them are in trouble. When I spoke this weekend to ForgottenLtd, which represents people who are not in receipt of benefit, it told me that its latest survey showed that 70% of its members receive no benefit whatsoever. Do the Government intend to do something about that? If so, will the Minister meet me to discuss the criteria for improvement?

Answer from Will Quince

I know that my right hon. Friend has campaigned hard on the subject. The question may be better directed at the Chancellor of the Exchequer or Ministers from Her Majesty's Treasury, as I know he has also done. Universal credit is an in-work and out-of-work benefit. It is also available for those who are self-employed. As the Secretary of State set out in her letter to the Work and Pensions Committee last month, we plan to proceed with the reinstatement of the minimum income floor, and claimants will be contacted as it is reinstated for them.

Not addressed: The answer did not address the specific request for a meeting or criteria improvement but redirected the query to other government officials.

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