Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Reducing Poverty

Wednesday 10 February 2021 · 3 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministers at the DWP have frequent discussions with GEO Ministers on reducing poverty and supporting welfare during the pandemic.
  • The Government aims to prevent an increase in child poverty by supporting parents into work through a 30 billion plan for jobs and childcare.
  • The female employment rate is at 72%, and the Government is studying a report by Chwarae Teg on the impact of business closures on women.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jessica Morden Lab Newport East
Economy Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

Discussions on reducing poverty are ongoing between the government and officials at the DWP. The context involves addressing concerns about welfare support and job protection measures.

Question

What recent discussions have you had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on reducing poverty?

Answer from Will Quince

My colleagues and I at the DWP have frequent discussions with GEO Ministers on a wide range of issues. Throughout this pandemic, the Government have sought to protect jobs and incomes, spending billions on strengthening welfare support for those most in need. Our long-term ambition is to level up across the United Kingdom, helping people back into work as quickly as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details of recent discussions or actions taken regarding poverty reduction

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Q2 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Economy Benefits & Welfare Children & Families
Context

Child poverty was projected to increase significantly before the pandemic. The current situation is challenging, with child poverty being a major issue across the UK.

Question

Child poverty is a stain on our nation, and hon. Members on both sides of the House should commit to working together to eradicate it. Before the pandemic, child poverty was projected to increase to 5.2 million by 2022. What steps are you taking now to prevent this prediction from coming true?

Answer from Will Quince

As far as I am concerned, one child in poverty is one child too many. All evidence suggests that work is the best route out of poverty for families, which is why we are supporting parents into work with our £30 billion plan for jobs and childcare offer. We have boosted welfare support by over £7 billion this year to assist those facing financial disruption.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps or measures directly addressing the prediction of increased child poverty

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Q3 Jessica Morden Lab Newport East
Employment Women & Equalities
Context

Research by the Welsh charity Chwarae Teg has highlighted that women are disproportionately affected by sector shutdowns, closures, and unemployment due to their higher representation among key workers.

Question

May I draw your attention to research by the Welsh gender equality charity Chwarae Teg showing that women are twice as likely to be key workers in Wales, with negative impacts from business closures falling disproportionately on them? What practical steps is the Government taking to help these women?

Answer from Will Quince

The female employment rate is at 72% and the female unemployment rate is at 4.7%. This issue is taken seriously, especially by the Minister for Employment who leads on this work. I will study the report carefully as will the Minister for Employment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify practical steps or actions to help women affected by sector closures and unemployment

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