Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Monday 11 July 2022 · 12 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 10 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Rachel Hopkins (Labour) raised concerns about constituents struggling to make ends meet due to increased debt and negative budgets.
  • Elliot Colburn inquired about the expected rise in energy price caps and how pensioners and families will cope with higher household bills.
  • Kirsty Blackman (Scottish National Party) questioned the Secretary of State about the lack of cost-of-living payments for people with no recourse to public funds, leading to malnutrition in children.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Economy Taxation Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP inquired about the Secretary of State's focus on helping households facing financial difficulties.

Question

I am concerned that many of my Luton South constituents are struggling to make ends meet. Across the east of England, 50% of Citizens Advice debt clients are now in a negative budget with their monthly expenditure exceeding income; this is up 12% from the same period in 2019. Does the Secretary of State still think it is a good idea for the Government to raise taxes this year when the UK is the only G7 country to do so?

Answer from Therese Coffey

The hon. Lady will be aware of the £37 billion package going to households, £15 billion of which is being deployed this year. People have received some elements through council tax support, and I outlined cost of living payments. The national living wage has been lifted to £9.50 an hour and the taper rate reduced to 55% for those on universal credit. We target low-income households and continue growing the economy to help households tackle inflation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not address whether raising taxes is still a good idea in light of current economic conditions.

How: Under Review, Working With Partners

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Q2 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP inquired about the cost of living payment for Carshalton and Wallington residents.

Question

Thanks to universal credit work incentives, some 11,600 Carshalton and Wallington residents will receive a cost of living payment soon. Can she set out what more is being done to ensure even more people from this area get into work?

Answer from Therese Coffey

My hon. Friend continues championing for his constituents. The Way to Work campaign has evolved with more job fairs at jobcentres, bringing employers for interviews and quicker decision-making.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not specify any additional measures beyond the existing initiatives.

How: Under Review, Working With Partners

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Q3 Elliot Colburn
Energy Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP raised concerns about the predicted rise in energy prices.

Question

It is expected that the energy price cap will increase by £450 more than anticipated, leading to household bills of £3,250, which exceeds a third of the state pension. How does the Secretary of State expect pensioners and families to cope this winter?

Answer from Therese Coffey

The right hon. Gentleman references an external analyst's prediction on energy prices, noting the Government's response with a tailored cost of living payment package and comprehensive support for household energy costs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not provide specific steps to help households manage higher energy bills.

How: Under Review, Working With Partners

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Q4 Jon Ashworth Lab
Economy Taxation Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP questioned the feasibility of unfunded tax cut commitments.

Question

Given that colleagues have made £30 billion to £40 billion-worth of unfunded tax cut promises, how do these tax cuts affect state pension, universal credit, and disability benefits? Is it not true that the next Tory Prime Minister will exacerbate the cost of living crisis?

Answer from Therese Coffey

Far from it; this Conservative Government has stepped up to address the cost of living challenge, with £37 billion in support. Future leaders will be judged on their policies as we focus on delivering additional payments starting this week.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not provide specific impacts of tax cuts on benefits and living costs.

How: Under Review, Working With Partners

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Q5 Jon Ashworth Lab
Employment Benefits & Welfare Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP inquired about addressing the agricultural sector's worker shortages.

Question

I frequently get complaints from people in agriculture that they cannot find workers locally. What can the Department do, perhaps working with educational institutions like Duchy College in Cornwall, to help jobseekers enter these roles?

Answer from Julie Marson

My hon. Friend is a strong advocate for her constituents. Jobcentres work with employers in all sectors, connecting them with jobseekers looking for employment. Local jobcentres are encouraged to reach out, and DWP staff have held events with the National Farmers Union and promote jobs through sector-based work academy programmes.

Answered
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Q6 Kirsty Blackman SNP Aberdeen North
Benefits & Welfare
Context

Rejected Work and Pensions Committee recommendation to extend Child Benefit irrespective of immigration status. People with no recourse face difficulties, including malnutrition.

Question

People with no recourse to public funds do not qualify for additional cost-of-living payments, leading to children starving and suffering malnutrition. Does the Secretary of State believe this is acceptable in the 21st century?

Answer from Therese Coffey

People arriving without recourse to public funds are not eligible for child benefit. Families in difficulty can apply for a review of this status with the Home Office; local councils design household support fund use.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address if this policy is acceptable or discuss malnutrition issue directly.

How: Change Subject To Local Council Responsibility, Avoid Discussing Acceptability Of Policy

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Q7 Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough
Immigration Benefits & Welfare
Context

60,000 people cross the channel illegally each year and are kept on social security for up to 10 years without deportation. Questioner asks about cost.

Question

Does the Secretary of State confirm that the welfare state depends on a social contract where those who pay taxes support pensioners and the unemployed? How is this supported when illegal immigrants stay on benefits, costing money?

Answer from Therese Coffey

Illegal entrants receive a small payment from the Home Office but not direct benefits. Visa schemes provide access to public funds for Ukrainians and Afghans.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify cost of keeping illegal immigrants on social security.

How: Redirected Attention To Legal Immigration Support

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Q8 Ian Byrne Lab Liverpool West Derby
Benefits & Welfare
Context

1 in 5 UK pensioners live in poverty, 1.3 million retirees are undernourished, and 25,000 die yearly due to cold weather. Cuts affect Liverpool West Derby women.

Question

One fifth of UK pensioners live in poverty; many are undernourished or die from cold. Pension cuts worsen the situation. Will the Secretary of State discuss with Chancellor to reverse these changes and provide full restitution for 5,360 affected women?

Answer from Guy Opperman

State pension has almost doubled under coalition and Conservative Governments. Pensioner poverty is declining; average support through pension credit is £3,300 plus household fund.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm discussions with Chancellor or restitution for affected women.

How: Stated General Improvements In State Pension

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Q9 Tony Lloyd Lab
Benefits & Welfare
Context

Four out of ten refused disability benefit do not appeal; two-thirds win if they do, but it takes months. This affects poverty among many people.

Question

40% refuse to appeal for disability benefits due to long wait times; 2/3 succeed when appealing. Does the Secretary of State feel ashamed about this process that traps tens of thousands in poverty?

Answer from Chloe Smith

Department works to ensure early correct support through trust-building. White Paper on health and disability assessments follows Green Paper with 4,500 responses.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address shame or specific actions beyond trust-building efforts.

How: Redirected To Future White Paper

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Q10 Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife
Benefits & Welfare
Context

337,000 overpaid in universal credit last year; only 10 debts waived. Claimants spend funds in good faith but then face unaffordable repayments.

Question

Last year saw 337k overpayment errors with debt waived just 10 times. Will the Minister align universal credit no-fault debts with legacy benefits for non-repayability?

Answer from David Rutley

We aim to balance needs of taxpayers and benefit recipients, working hard to ensure correct payments.

Not addressed: Did not address alignment with legacy benefits or specifics on no-fault debts.

How: Emphasised Balancing Taxpayer/Beneficiary Needs Without Specifics

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Q11 Steve McCabe Lab
Benefits & Welfare
Context

Department annual report revealed an additional 103,000 women affected by short-changed pensions. This contradicts recent rosy impressions given to the Select Committee.

Question

Annual report shows 103k more women affected by short-changed pensions. How long will they wait for legal entitlement? Will there be further upward revisions?

Answer from Guy Opperman

Over 500 people currently working on the issue, rising to over 1300 soon; aiming for resolution in near future.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific timeframe or confirm no further revisions.

How: Emphasised Ongoing Efforts Without Precise Timeline

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Q12 Anne McLaughlin SNP
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP has been campaigning to extend the deadline for backdating claims of pension credit, arguing that people need support as they face difficult choices between heating and eating during winter.

Question

I know what the Government have said they are doing to increase the uptake of pension credit, and that is good; I do not want to hear it again, though. I also know that people can backdate their claims for pension credit, so anyone who makes a successful application by 24 August this year will receive the £650. However, I have been campaigning for the deadline to be extended to the end of the fiscal year, because I think that as we go into the winter, that is what will concentrate people's minds when they have to make the very real choice between heating and eating. I am not asking the Minister to commit himself to doing this today, but will he commit himself to at least considering extending the deadline to 31 March next year?

Answer from Guy Opperman

The uptake of pension credit is clearly to be applauded, and I sincerely hope that the hon. Lady was behind the pension credit day of action and is behind the messages that we are all trying to put out. That is not all, however. On Thursday we will make the £326 cost of living payment, which will drop £1 million in payments every single working day, and there will be a further £324 payment in the autumn. We are also providing the energy support grant of £400, which will go to every individual in the country, as well as the £300 winter fuel payment, the council tax rebate, and various other household support grants. All those are available to individuals up and down the country, and will also support pensioners.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Extending the backdating claim deadline for pension credit until 31 March next year

How: Acknowledging Positive Aspects Of Current Efforts, Providing Information On Other Benefits

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