Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Employment Support

Wednesday 3 February 2021 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister of State had regular discussions with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions regarding support for individuals affected by the covid-19 outbreak in Wales.
  • UK Government provided 5 million extra funding to Welsh Government to support businesses and individuals affected by the pandemic.
  • Government provided over 9.3 billion in additional support through the welfare system for people affected by covid, including a 20 per week increase in universal credit.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Beth Winter
Economy Employment
Context

The MP notes that discussions are needed regarding support for individuals and organisations negatively impacted by the pandemic.

Question

What recent discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Minister on support for people in Wales whose employment has been adversely affected by the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from David Davies

I have regular discussions with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on our support for people affected by covid-19. The UK Government have funded the furlough of 8,900 employees and provided over £17 million to the self-employed in the hon. Lady's own constituency.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Beth Winter
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP highlights inadequacies in welfare support during the pandemic and asks about funding for a UBI pilot.

Question

Given that the pandemic has exposed weaknesses in our welfare system, will the Minister express his support for a UBI pilot and call on the UK Government to fund it?

Answer from David Davies

The UK Government have already provided £5 million of extra funding to the Welsh Government to ensure that they have adequate funds to support businesses and individuals who have been affected by the covid pandemic, and of course the Welsh Government also have tax-raising powers. The reality is that this Government have spent hundreds of billions of pounds supporting businesses and individuals throughout this country, such is our commitment to ensuring that no one is left out as a result of the impact of this terrible pandemic.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly express support for UBI pilot

How: Under Review, Commitment

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Nia Griffith Lab Llanelli
Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP raises concerns about the proposed reduction of universal credit and its impact on Welsh families.

Question

With many Welsh families still uncertain about their job security and finances, why do the Government think it's appropriate to cut universal credit by £1,000 a year at this time?

Answer from David Davies

I have not yet been promoted to the Treasury, and I cannot possibly predict what might happen in the Budget that may or may not come in a few months' time. Perhaps the hon. Lady knows something that the rest of us do not, but I can tell her that the Government have been steadfast in their commitment to supporting all those who have been left out.

Not addressed: Asked about Treasury budget decisions he is not responsible for

How: Not My Responsibility

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Nia Griffith Lab Llanelli
Business & Trade Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP questions gaps in support for those who became self-employed recently due to the pandemic and their eligibility for SEISS.

Question

Many people started businesses within a year of the pandemic starting but were locked out of the SEISS when it was announced last March. Now, with tax returns submitted to HMRC, will the Government rethink support measures for these newly self-employed individuals?

Answer from David Davies

The hon. Lady knows very well that I am not responsible for the policies of the Treasury, but I simply point to the fact that we have provided more than £9.3 billion of additional support through the welfare system for people affected by covid, including the £20 a week increase in the universal credit standard allowance.

Not addressed: Asked about Treasury policies he is not responsible for

How: Not My Responsibility

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email