Topical Questions

Question

I thank the Minister for his answer. On Thursday, I and my hon. Friend visited One Parent Families Scotland. The young single parents we met were outraged and upset about the young parent penalty, as they are receiving less universal credit than older parents. Does the Minister care to explain why he feels that younger parents are worth less than those who are over 25?

Question

A key area that we need to consider is people who have a diagnosis and then try to return to work. One way that we can solve this is potentially having DWP or jobcentre workers in primary care to help support people from diagnosis to desk. Is that something that Ministers will consider in the White Paper?

Question

We on the Labour Benches join you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and the Minister in the tribute to Len Goodman. The local elections are next week, so people will be thinking of the fortunes of their towns or cities. In many places, unemployment is not low, but high. For example, one constituency has an 8% unemployment rate. What about that chronic poor performance should be rewarded at the ballot box next week?

Question

A few weeks ago, I visited Tools with a Mission, a 40-year-old charity in Ipswich. It takes old, disused and discarded tools and sends them to developing countries like Zambia and Uganda. The charity also helps local pensioners and individuals with educational needs find jobs. Will the Minister join me in applauding that work, and work with me to find funding to enhance what the charity is doing?

Question

When he appeared before the Select Committee, the Secretary of State said that more transparency is better. In light of that, can the Minister provide figures on how many DWP staff are reliant on universal credit?

Question

I welcome the measures in the Budget to encourage over-50s back into work, harnessing their experience and skills. I also notice that the Department has signed the Age-friendly Employer pledge—I have signed my office up too. What is being done to promote the scheme more widely among employers to encourage them to do the same?

Question

Some 5,260 women in Liverpool, West Derby have been affected by the changes made to the women's state pension age, and many have contacted me about the devastating impact it has had on their lives. What consideration has the Minister given to early-day motion 1040 by my right hon Friend the Member for Knowsley (Sir George Howarth), which calls for an alternative dispute resolution process, including representatives of the 3.8 million women affected, to address the injustices they have been through?

Question

As the Minister will know, the Disability Confident scheme is a great way for employers to support people into work. What is the Minister doing to ensure that local councils such as Torbay Council are setting an example to other employers in their area?

Question

Do Ministers think it acceptable that thousands of women who have been underpaid their state pensions will be forced to wait until the end of 2024 to see that error addressed?

Question

This month has seen the uplifting of pensions and benefits by 10.1%, but what more is the Department doing to ensure that people in my constituency and around the country get the maximum that they are entitled to and, therefore, take up pension credit?

Question

My constituent had a brain injury 20 years ago and was receiving personal independence payment for care and mobility support. A recent review said that there was no change to his condition, but somehow the decision has been made to stop his benefits. The Minister has already indicated that he is considering this matter, but will he meet me to discuss that particular case?

Question

We must do more to tackle delinquent parents who do not pay child maintenance. When can we expect the home curfew powers to come into effect, and how many people do we expect to be subject to them?

Question

A new Work and Pensions Committee report on the health assessments for disability benefits such as PIP and employment support allowance has found that “issues or errors” in the DWP health assessment system have, in some ways, contributed to the deaths of claimants. What assurances can the Minister give the House that those issues and errors will not continue to kill our disabled constituents?

Question

I am concerned about the apprenticeship levy's relevance to small employers who find the process unwieldy. Will you engage with other Departments to make it more relevant?

Question

On April 19 last year, the Equality and Human Rights Commission informed the Government of its intent to issue a section 23 agreement under the Equality Act 2006. When will this agreement be reached given it has not yet been concluded?

Question

We have embarked upon a review into autism and employment this month. What further measures will the Government take to close this employment gap?

Question

Given the growing abuse of unpaid work trials, will you meet me to discuss what new legislation might look like?