Work and Pensions

The debate in the House of Commons focused on a range of issues related to the work and pensions portfolio, with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, leading the government's response. Kendall began by addressing the issue of the winter fuel payment, stating that an estimated 880,000 of the poorest pensioners are not claiming the pension credit they are entitled to, and therefore missing out on the winter fuel payment. She emphasized the government's commitment to launching the "biggest ever drive" to increase pension credit uptake and ensure the poorest pensioners receive the support they deserve. The opposition, led by Mel Stride, the shadow Secretary of State, challenged the government's position, highlighting the Labour party's previous promise to maintain the winter fuel allowance without means-testing. Stride questioned the potential impact of the policy change, including the possibility of premature deaths among pensioners. The debate then covered a wide range of topics, including the effectiveness of the Access to Work program, the challenges faced by the Child Maintenance Service, the government's approach to supporting vulnerable people into work, the accessibility of jobcentres in rural areas, and the issue of carer's allowance overpayments. Several members from both sides of the House raised concerns about the impact of these policies on their constituents, particularly those living in poverty or with disabilities. The ministers acknowledged the need for reform and promised to address these issues, including through the upcoming White Paper on employment support. The Secretary of State also emphasized the government's commitment to tackling child poverty, announcing the establishment of a child poverty taskforce to drive action across government. This issue was further discussed, with members highlighting the particular challenges faced in regions such as the North East. Throughout the debate, the government defended its approach, arguing that it was necessary to address the financial challenges inherited from the previous administration. However, the opposition continued to challenge the government's policies and their potential impact on the most vulnerable members of society.