Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to reduce the backlog of people waiting for personal independence payment claims to be processed.

Answered by Chloe Smith - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

We are committed to ensuring that people can access financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in a timely manner and reducing customer journey times for PIP claimants is a priority for the Department. We always aim to make an award decision as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to review all available evidence.

The time it takes to clear a claim and the number of people awaiting a decision can vary reflecting factors including customer demand, operational resource and timescales for different parts of the process. In particular, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused distortion and work is ongoing to manage the recovery.

The time it takes clear new PIP claims in July 2021 (most recent data available) are similar to levels a year ago.

We are always looking at ways to improve the assessment process. In addition to face-to-face, we will continue to conduct paper-based, telephone and video assessments where appropriate.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when her Department plans to stop the universal credit and legacy benefit claims of individuals who qualify for EU Settled Status but have not yet applied for that scheme.

Answered by Chloe Smith - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Government has made clear its commitment to safeguard the rights of EEA nationals, and their family members, living in the UK prior to the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020. They have done this though the introduction of the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).

The scheme opened to the public on 30 March 2019 and the deadline for the scheme for those resident in the UK by the end of the transition period was 30 June 2021. Every day thousands of people are being given status through the EUSS and to date the Home Office have received more than 6 million applications.

There is scope to make a late application based on reasonable grounds for missing the deadline. The Home Office have also released guidance for late applications and reiterated their general approach under the EUSS which is to look to grant status, rather than looking for reasons to refuse. Those covered by the Withdrawal Agreement who submit a late application to the EUSS will also be able to access benefits and services, if they are eligible, from the point their application is validated, and identity has been verified.

From 1 July 2021, the Department has continued to work in collaboration with the HO and HMRC to undertake further engagement activities and give those without status further opportunity to apply to the EUSS. Claimants that fail to make a late application will not have entitlement to benefits unless, and until, they apply. The Department is however taking all reasonable steps to engage claimants and provide them with multiple opportunities to apply before taking compliance action. This includes engaging with relevant customers through scheduled face to face and telephony contact, and Universal Credit (UC) journal prompts. The Department’s visiting service is also available for those customers who are identified as the most vulnerable.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment she has made of (a) trends in the cost of living and (b) the impact that those trends are having on standards of living of people claiming social security support.

Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

No assessment has been made.

The Secretary of State completes an annual review of most benefit rates for people below State Pension age to determine whether they have retained their value in relation to the general level of prices. Where prices have increased relative to the value of those benefits, the Secretary of State will increase certain disability and carers’ benefits – such as Personal Independence Payments and Carer’s Allowance – at least in line with that increase. She may also decide to increase other benefits, such as Universal Credit. That decision is discretionary, but it is conventional that these rates are also increased in line with the increase in prices as measured by the Consumer Price Index. The up-rating review is conducted in the Autumn of each year, with the outcome announced in November and the new rates implemented the following April.

The Universal Credit £20 uplift was a temporary measure set out in legislation separate to up-rating. The temporary uplift was part of a COVID support package worth a total of £407 billion in 2020-21 and 2021-22.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will publish the impact assessment for removing the £20 uplift to Universal Credit.

Answered by Baroness Stedman-Scott - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

No impact assessment has been made.

The Chancellor announced a temporary six-month extension to the £20 per week uplift at the Budget on 3 March to support households affected by the economic shock of Covid-19. Universal Credit has provided a vital safety net for six million people during the pandemic, and the temporary uplift was part of a COVID support package worth a total of £407billion in 2020-21 and 2021-22.

There have been significant positive developments in the public health situation since the uplift was first introduced. With the success of the vaccine rollout and record job vacancies, it is right that our focus is on helping people back into work.

Through our Plan for Jobs, we are targeting tailored support schemes of people of all ages to help them prepare for, get into and progress in work. These include: Kickstart, delivering tens of thousands of six-month work placements for Universal Credit claimants aged 16-24 at risk of unemployment; we have also recruited an additional 13,500 work coaches to provide more intensive support to find a job; and introduced Restart which provides 12 months’ intensive employment support to Universal Credit claimants who are unemployed for a year. Our Plan for Jobs interventions will support more than two million people.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assistance the Government is providing to newly arrived Afghan nationals seeking to enter employment.

Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

Those coming from Afghanistan to the UK on the resettlement programmes will have the right to work here from day one, as well as immediate access to the benefit system and our existing employment offer, including our £30 billion Plan for Jobs.

Direct, personalised support is available from experienced work coaches in the temporary hotel accommodation where Afghans are staying across the country. Work coaches are there to help with any claims or queries and to provide tailored employment support. Resettling Afghans will also have access to our Refugee Leads Network, which links Jobcentres and organisations working with refugees and those on resettlement programmes, to help them integrate and find employment in local areas. We will also work to ensure that English as a Second or Other Language provision, and other support, is available to those that need it.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she plans to take to help ensure that people who will stop receiving the £20 uplift to universal credit and working tax credits are able to access sufficient food sources.

Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

We take the issue of food insecurity seriously, which is why we added internationally used food security questions to the Family Resources Survey in 2019/20 and published the data in March this year. These questions remain in the survey and will allow us to track food security over time.

In April this year we increased the value of Healthy Start Food Vouchers from £3.10 to £4.25, helping eligible low income households buy basic foods like milk, fruit and vitamins. We are investing up to £220m in the Holiday Activities and Food programme, which has been expanded to every Local Authority across England. Participating children are benefitting from a range of support, including healthy and nutritious meals as well as fun and engaging activities covering the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays in 2021.

There have been significant positive developments in the public health situation since the uplift was first introduced, including the success of the vaccine rollout. With record vacancies, our focus is on helping people back into work. This approach is based on clear evidence about the importance of employment, particularly where it is full-time, in substantially reducing the risks of poverty.

This Government is wholly committed to supporting those on low incomes, and continues to do so through many measures, including by increasing the living wage, and by spending over £111 billion on welfare support for people of working age in 2021/22.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to help recently arrived Afghan refugees find employment.

Answered by Baroness Stedman-Scott - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Those coming from Afghanistan to the UK on the resettlement programmes will have the right to work here from day one, as well as immediate access to the benefit system and our existing employment offer, including our £30 billion Plan for Jobs.

Direct, personalised support is available from experienced work coaches in the temporary hotel accommodation where Afghans are staying across the country. Work coaches are there to help with any claims or queries and to provide tailored employment support. Resettling Afghans will also have access to our Refugee Leads Network, which links Jobcentres and organisations working with refugees and those on resettlement programmes, to help them integrate and find employment in local areas. We will also work to ensure that English as a Second or Other Language provision, and other support, is available to those that need it.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department plans to bring forward legislative proposals to ensure that people who arrived in the UK under the Afghan (a) Relocation and Assistance Policy and (b) Citizens Resettlement Scheme are not required to meet the habitual residence test.

Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

All those brought to the UK under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) have the right to work, access to education and healthcare and recourse to public funds including benefit support.

The Department for Work and Pensions has legislated to exempt those arriving in the UK under the ARAP and ACRS from the habitual residence test for income-related benefits, and the past presence test and the habitual residence test for disability and carer benefits.

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/1034/made

Further information can be viewed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/support-for-those-arriving-from-afghanistan

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what representations she has made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on increasing the amount of money local authorities pay out in financial assistance schemes to people who will stop receiving the £20 a week uplift to universal credit.

Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

Ministers in the Department for Work and Pensions engage regularly with their Ministerial counterparts in other Departments, taking a collective approach to the policies and interventions that can make a difference.

Responsibility for Local Welfare Assistance was delegated to Local Authorities in England in 2013/2014 and councils have powers to determine the right Local Welfare Assistance schemes for their area. The funding councils receive from Government recognises the resources councils need to meet their pressures.

The Chancellor announced a temporary six-month extension to the £20 per week uplift at the Budget on 3 March to support households affected by the economic shock of Covid-19. Universal Credit has provided a vital safety net for six million people during the pandemic, and the temporary uplift was part of a COVID support package worth a total of £407billion in 2020-21 and 2021-22.

There have been significant positive developments in the public health situation since the uplift was first introduced. With the success of the vaccine rollout and record job vacancies, it is right that our focus is on helping people back into work.

Through our Plan for Jobs, we are targeting tailored support schemes of people of all ages to help them prepare for, get into and progress in work. These include: Kickstart, delivering tens of thousands of six-month work placements for Universal Credit claimants aged 16-24 at risk of unemployment; we have also recruited an additional 13,500 work coaches to provide more intensive support to find a job; and introduced Restart which provides 12 months’ intensive employment support to Universal Credit claimants who are unemployed for a year. Our Plan for Jobs interventions will support more than two million people.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the impact of the Health and Social Care Levy on working people claiming (a) universal credit, (b) working tax credit or (c) other benefits.

Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

From April 2022 a National Insurance increase of 1.25 percentage points would only impact on earnings above around £800 a month. The lowest earners would not be affected.

Universal Credit and, where appropriate other benefits, normally take account of net earnings in determining the amount of benefit. A change in National Insurance contributions paid will impact net earnings and therefore the calculation of benefit entitlement. Tax Credits entitlement is calculated using gross earnings, the Health and Social Care Levy will not therefore affect the level of support paid to Working Tax Credit customers.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make it her policy to reconsider the cessation of the temporary universal credit £20 uplift in response to the impact on household finances of rising energy prices.

Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Chancellor announced a temporary six-month extension to the £20 per week uplift at the Budget on 3 March to support households affected by the economic shock of Covid-19. Universal Credit has provided a vital safety net for six million people during the pandemic, and the temporary uplift was part of a COVID support package worth a total of £407 billion in 2020-21 and 2021-22.

There have been significant positive developments in the public health situation since the uplift was first introduced. With the success of the vaccine rollout and record job vacancies, it is right that our focus is on helping people back into work.

Through our Plan for Jobs, we are targeting tailored support schemes of people of all ages to help them prepare for, get into and progress in work. These include: Kickstart, delivering tens of thousands of six-month work placements for Universal Credit claimants aged 16-24 at risk of unemployment; we have also recruited an additional 13,500 work coaches to provide more intensive support to find a job; and introduced Restart which provides 12 months’ intensive employment support to Universal Credit claimants who are unemployed for a year. Our Plan for Jobs interventions will support more than two million people.

We recognise that some people continue to require extra support, which is why we have introduced a £421 million Household Support Fund to help vulnerable people in England with essential household costs over the winter as the economy recovers. The Barnett Formula will apply in the usual way, with the devolved administrations receiving almost £80 million (£41m for the Scottish Government, £25m for the Welsh Government and £14m for the NI Executive), for a total of £500 million.

The Cold Weather Payment scheme also helps vulnerable people in receipt of certain income-related benefits to meet the additional costs of heating during periods of severe cold weather. Cold Weather Payments are targeted at those in receipt of eligible benefits with a pension element or disability component or where there is a child under five in the household.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when she plans to respond to a letter dated 11 August 2021 from the hon. Member for West Lancashire reference, ZA57289 regarding a foster care allowance claim.

Answered by Guy Opperman - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

A reply was sent to the hon. Member by the Minister for Welfare Delivery, on behalf of the Secretary of State, on 29 September 2021.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of reversing the reintroduction of the Minimum Income Floor.

Answered by Mims Davies - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

No assessment has been made.

The suspension of the Minimum Income Floor was a temporary measure to support self-employed claimants through the pandemic, kept under review in light of the latest economic and public health context. Since 31 July 2021, the pre-pandemic rules for the self-employed have started to apply again.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 16 September 2021 to Question 48341 on Employment Schemes, what the evidential basis is for the assertion that work coaches are helping people already in work into better paid work.

Answered by Mims Davies - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

Universal Credit is based on a strong system of support and an agreed relationship where both sides endeavour to do the best they can to achieve positive work outcomes and prevent a slide into welfare dependency. Our evidence shows that Work Coach support is effective at reducing the amount of time claimants spend on benefit and that Work Coaches can help working claimants overcome barriers to taking on more or better work.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to support single parents in receipt of universal credit with young children to find work that fits around their childcare needs.

Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

Under Universal Credit, working families can claim back up to 85% of their registered childcare costs each month

The UC childcare aligns with the wider government childcare offer. This includes the free childcare offer which provides 15 hours a week of free childcare in England for all 3 and 4 year olds and disadvantaged 2 year olds, doubling for working parents of 3 and 4 year olds to 30 hours a week. The UC childcare cost element can be used to top up a claimant's eligible free childcare hours if more hours are worked and childcare is required. This means that reasonable childcare costs should not form a barrier to work.

Additional safeguards apply during this period and any work-related expectations will be limited to a maximum of 16 hours per week whilst they are caring for a pre-school age child.

To assist single parents with making necessary childcare arrangements, work coaches can reduce the maximum time the claimant is expected to spend travelling to and from work. All Work-related requirements will be tailored according to the claimant’s capability and personal circumstances, to ensure they are realistic and achievable.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the National Audit Office report entitled Investigation into underpayment of State Pensions published on 22 September 2021, if she will set up a task force to target and prioritise assistance for pensioners who are most in need of support as a result of the underpayment of State Pension.

Answered by Guy Opperman - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Legal Entitlements and Administrative Practice (LEAP) exercise to correct State Pension underpayments began in January 2021. We are prioritising older cases and those who we believe are the most vulnerable. The Department will write to affected individuals to inform them of the changes to their State Pension amount and of any arrears payment they will receive in accordance with the law.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what (a) research and (b) preparation his Department has undertaken on the impact of (i) rising energy prices, (ii) rising fuel bills, (iii) potential food shortages and (iv) the removal of the £20 uplift to universal credit on families' ability to fund their childrens' meals while at school.

Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

We have not undertaken research of this kind.

The Chancellor announced a temporary six-month extension to the £20 per week uplift at the Budget on 3 March to support households affected by the economic shock of Covid-19. Universal Credit has provided a vital safety net for six million people during the pandemic, and the temporary uplift was part of a COVID support package worth a total of £407billion in 2020-21 and 2021-22.

There have been significant positive developments in the public health situation since the uplift was first introduced with the success of the vaccine rollout. With record vacancies, our focus is on helping people back into work. This approach is based on clear evidence about the importance of employment, particularly where it is full-time, in substantially reducing the risks of poverty.

Through our Plan for Jobs, we are targeting tailored support schemes of people of all ages to help them prepare for, get into and progress in work. These include: Kickstart, delivering tens of thousands of six-month work placements for Universal Credit claimants aged 16-24 at risk of unemployment; we have also recruited an additional 13,500 work coaches to provide more intensive support to find a job; and introduced Restart which provides 12 months’ intensive employment support to Universal Credit claimants who are unemployed for a year. Our Plan for Jobs interventions will support more than two million people.

In April this year we increased the value of Healthy Start Food Vouchers from £3.10 to £4.25, helping eligible low income households buy basic foods like milk, fruit and vitamins. We are also investing up to £221m in the Holiday Activities and Food programme, which has been expanded to every Local Authority across England. Participating children are benefitting from a range of support, including healthy and nutritious meals as well as fun and engaging activities covering the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays in 2021.

We recognise that some people continue to require extra support, which is why we have introduced a £421 million Household Support Fund to help vulnerable people in England with essential household costs over the winter as the economy recovers. The Barnett Formula will apply in the usual way, with the devolved administrations receiving almost £80 million (£41m for the Scottish Government, £25m for the Welsh Government and £14m for the NI Executive), for a total of £500 million.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what (a) research and (b) preparation his Department has undertaken on the impact of (i) rising energy prices, (ii) rising fuel bills, (iii) potential food shortages and (iv) the removal of the £20 uplift to universal credit on families' ability to feed vulnerable children over upcoming school holidays.

Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

We have not undertaken research of this kind.

The Chancellor announced a temporary six-month extension to the £20 per week uplift at the Budget on 3 March to support households affected by the economic shock of Covid-19. Universal Credit has provided a vital safety net for six million people during the pandemic, and the temporary uplift was part of a COVID support package worth a total of £407billion in 2020-21 and 2021-22.

There have been significant positive developments in the public health situation since the uplift was first introduced with the success of the vaccine rollout. With record vacancies, our focus is on helping people back into work. This approach is based on clear evidence about the importance of employment, particularly where it is full-time, in substantially reducing the risks of poverty.

Through our Plan for Jobs, we are targeting tailored support schemes of people of all ages to help them prepare for, get into and progress in work. These include: Kickstart, delivering tens of thousands of six-month work placements for Universal Credit claimants aged 16-24 at risk of unemployment; we have also recruited an additional 13,500 work coaches to provide more intensive support to find a job; and introduced Restart which provides 12 months’ intensive employment support to Universal Credit claimants who are unemployed for a year. Our Plan for Jobs interventions will support more than two million people.

In April this year we increased the value of Healthy Start Food Vouchers from £3.10 to £4.25, helping eligible low income households buy basic foods like milk, fruit and vitamins. We are also investing up to £221m in the Holiday Activities and Food programme, which has been expanded to every Local Authority across England. Participating children are benefitting from a range of support, including healthy and nutritious meals as well as fun and engaging activities covering the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays in 2021.

We recognise that some people continue to require extra support, which is why we have introduced a £421 million Household Support Fund to help vulnerable people in England with essential household costs over the winter as the economy recovers. The Barnett Formula will apply in the usual way, with the devolved administrations receiving almost £80 million (£41m for the Scottish Government, £25m for the Welsh Government and £14m for the NI Executive), for a total of £500 million.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to support unemployed young people; and what plans she has to support job mobility.

Answered by Mims Davies - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Government has provided an unprecedented economic support package to protect and create jobs, including a particular focus on young people.

The DWP Youth Offer provides wrap-around support to young people aged 18-24 who are in the intensive work search regime of Universal Credit and was introduced as part of the wider UK government Plan for Jobs package. It has been developed to combat youth unemployment and ensure that young people have the skills they need to look for, find and keep employment.

Through the Youth Employment Programme young people receive intensive Work Coach support and every young person is encouraged to take part in a wide range of work based opportunities including Kickstart placements, Sector Based Work Academy Programmes, traineeships, Mentoring Circles or apprenticeships, which can be taken up at any point in the 13-week programme.

This sits alongside Youth Hubs that are co-located and co-delivered with external partners to support young people with skills gaps, and Youth Employability Coaches that help those with significant complex needs and barriers into the labour market.

We currently have over 135 new Youth Hubs physically open to support young people across Great Britain and 150 Youth Employability Coaches, delivering tailored employment & skills support for those most at risk of longer term unemployment.

To support job mobility for people of all ages, we are supporting claimants to access the skills and training opportunities delivered by the Department for Education and devolved Governments, through our DWP Train and Progress initiative across Great Britain. This includes the expansion of the successful Sector-based Work Academy Programme in England and Scotland. Where it will help people into work, DWP claimants can access sector-specific training provided as part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee, including L3 Skills Boot camps of up to 16 weeks’ full time while remaining on benefit.

Additionally, we recognise that people need the skills and opportunities to progress, build their careers and increase their earnings. The independent In-Work Progression Commission published its report on the barriers to progression for those in persistent low pay on 1 July 2021. It makes a number of recommendations for the Government which we will consider carefully and respond to later in the year.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate she has made of the number of people who have received an underpayment of their benefits in Wales each year since 2015.

Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

Details of fraud and error within the benefit system, including underpayments, are published on the Gov.UK website which can be accessed via the link below.

Fraud and error in the benefit system: financial year 2020 to 2021 estimates - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

These estimates relate to the levels of fraud and error in the benefit system in Great Britain. They are underpinned by reviews of benefit claimants in England, Wales and Scotland. We are unable to break down the statistics by region as the sample sizes are too small.

The main cause of underpayments is claimant error. To help prevent underpayments, we work hard to make it easy for claimants to tell us about changes in their circumstances and where possible, we look to update claims automatically. In Universal Credit changes can be reported electronically through the online journal.

Data is increasingly allowing the Department to check entitlement and correct any over or underpayment at the earliest opportunity. The automated use of Real Time Information means that for Universal Credit, PAYE earnings are captured automatically before any payment is.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will publish modelling of the combined impact of the (a) end of the £20 uplift to working tax credits and universal credit, (b) rise in National Insurance contributions, (c) rise in inflation and (d) rise in energy costs on disposable income of households.

Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

No such modelling of the combined impact of the end of the £20 uplift to Working Tax Credits and Universal Credit, the rise in National Insurance contributions, rise in inflation and rise in energy costs on disposable incomes of households has been done.

There have been significant positive developments in the public health situation since the uplift was first introduced. With the success of the vaccine rollout and record job vacancies, it is right that our focus is on helping people back into work. This approach is based on clear evidence about the importance of employment, particularly where it is full-time, in substantially reducing the risks of poverty.

This Government is wholly committed to supporting those on low incomes, and continues to do so through many measures, including by increasing the living wage, and by spending over £111 billion on welfare support for people of working age in 2021/22.

We recognise that some people continue to require extra support, which is why we have introduced a £421 million Household Support Fund to help vulnerable people in England with essential household costs over the winter as the economy recovers. The Barnett Formula will apply in the usual way, with the devolved administrations receiving around £80 million (£41m for the Scottish Government, £25m for the Welsh Government and £14m for the NI Executive), for a total of £500 million.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many and what proportion of people have made benefit claims in Welsh in each year since 2015.

Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

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#UniversalCredit makes it easier to take temporary or seasonal work Eligibility criteria apply Find out more https://t.co/TW2gnKX611 https://t.co/2zeXDU6Rlx

There is one week left to share your thoughts and experiences on work, health and disability Click the link below to join Mo and #HaveYourSay https://t.co/oieZmxGBeU https://t.co/NEvgY62ir6

Are you an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen resident who was in the UK by 31 December 2020? You may need to apply to the EU #SettlementScheme to continue to reside, work and access benefits in the UK Visit https://t.co/XRLIoXAWb8 https://t.co/Do1uidNkye

With #JobHelp you can get advice from the experts on finding your next role. Find out more https://t.co/Lmh5DVMRsE https://t.co/j4etA6cH9U

Be fraud aware and protect your personal details at all times Your information could be used by criminals to commit benefit and other fraud https://t.co/1ARqFcNy5B https://t.co/h225Ja6Fjn

Our free Video Relay Service covers all benefits, providing people with quicker and easier access to benefits with #BritishSignLanguage interpreters To find out more about using the service, watch the video and download the app here https://t.co/XsXBPKqg6p https://t.co/LDTImNfCzW

With Universal Credit, you only need to make one application and we will work out the right amount for your circumstances Find out more: https://t.co/Ix8SbxzmRA https://t.co/OWfxUwJpxT

.@jmurphyandsons is proud to be part of #Kickstart, helping to get young people’s careers going If you are an employer - or a young person aged 16 to 24 on #UniversalCredit - find out more about the Kickstart Scheme https://t.co/2cEwbACTO5 https://t.co/7jGa6Uy8b7

If you're in financial difficulty, you can access money and debt guidance for free The Money Navigator Tool from @MoneyHelperUK can provide guidance based upon your own circumstances and help you find support in your area Use the tool today https://t.co/b0bzFa1Dgo https://t.co/QlDPL7n4aR

If you're in London on Tuesday 5th October, you can join our event to #HaveYourSay on work, health and disability Register here https://t.co/8MTjUukuFz https://t.co/ZETv1RkhH3

Information for claimants: From 5 April 2021, we made a change to some of the envelopes used to send you letters You may receive some post from the Department in a white envelope rather than the usual brown (manila) envelope Don't bin it, open it https://t.co/Wdjys7XBuk

“Don’t miss your chance to have your voice heard” Ross is backing our call for responses to our health and disability green paper #HaveYourSay here https://t.co/oieZmxGBeU https://t.co/WCNequLG0Y

#JobHelp is full of advice and tips from Work Coaches to help you land your next role We’ll help you find it https://t.co/nDDtPuKTs9

Today marks World Mental Health Day Did you know #AccessToWork could pay for mental health support to help you or your employees at work? Find out more about how Access to Work could support you https://t.co/4IY19C7kda https://t.co/1MLS0GO2Ng

Today is the last day you can respond to our health and disability green paper Click the link below to join Beth and #HaveYourSay https://t.co/oieZmxGBeU https://t.co/jkgr6xQSao

We understand that working can be difficult if you have a mental health condition. #AccessToWork could provide support to help you stay in work Find out more https://t.co/bnLvgNYmyT #NationalDisabilityStrategy https://t.co/FHfdnsPbKn

The EU #SettlementScheme application deadline has now passed If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen and were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020, you can still make a late application to continue to reside, work, and access benefits in the UK Visit https://t.co/XRLIoXAWb8 https://t.co/JylOa0vFHu

🏎️ The #Kickstart Scheme helped Shaun pursue his passion for video games with @classicracesim 🗣️ "I've got various different fields that I can now move into, thanks to the experience I've learnt through Kickstart" 👉 Find out how Kickstart can help you: https://t.co/nC3TGgpktH https://t.co/ifwzy5wLPL

Be fraud aware and protect your personal details at all times Your information could be used by criminals to commit benefit and other fraud https://t.co/1ARqFcNy5B https://t.co/V7W7ykOIr6

Our health and disability green paper closes this evening Click the link below to join Mo and #HaveYourSay https://t.co/oieZmxGBeU https://t.co/MxKHeZlSvf

With so many different job roles and great opportunities for development, find out if you’ve got what it takes to work in haulage and logistics https://t.co/yp9pmAchlZ #JobHelp https://t.co/uBzNbLMtLN

You can take a look at current #Kickstart Scheme vacancies through our Find a Job service It is quick, simple and you don’t need to register to use the site https://t.co/Ph9TPJn32G https://t.co/ipXcTAmiiQ

Join us tomorrow from 11.30am to 12.00pm for our #DisabilityConfident webinar on Neurodiversity – language and communication-based challenges https://t.co/ym90SXX6eH It’s FREE and all you need to do is register. See you then! https://t.co/W8xkLyEulS

Be fraud aware and protect your personal details at all times Your information could be used by criminals to commit benefit and other fraud https://t.co/1ARqFcNy5B https://t.co/gMypIt80U6

Are you an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen resident who was in the UK by 31 December 2020? You may need to apply to the EU #SettlementScheme to continue to reside, work and access benefits in the UK Visit https://t.co/XRLIoXAWb8 https://t.co/zTqdZ4K3RL

Maya is one of thousands of young people aged 16 to 24 who have taken up paid employment through the #Kickstart Scheme Find out how you can join her https://t.co/Z1HlXIcIYo #PlanForJobs https://t.co/nJ35gKsok7

Did you know that you could get #UniversalCredit payments, even if you are working? Eligibility criteria apply Find out more https://t.co/iWxKZXpHsP https://t.co/aA2G2eXl97

A varied industry, with great opportunities for development. Find out if you’ve got what it takes to work in haulage and logistics https://t.co/Ccqsm03CFr #JobHelp https://t.co/iT5ylVHEBM

Over 80% of disabled people acquire a disability while they are in work. Over 20,000 businesses have already signed up to #DisabilityConfident and ready to support their employees Sign up today https://t.co/v4MtUFK8HL #NationalDisabilityStrategy https://t.co/29Djx0jz1h

A varied industry, with great opportunities for development Find out if you’ve got what it takes to work in haulage and logistics https://t.co/Ccqsm03CFr #JobHelp https://t.co/lHHvp5NovJ

If you're in financial difficulty, you can access money and debt guidance for free The Money Navigator Tool from @MoneyHelperUK can provide guidance based upon your own circumstances and help you find support in your area Use the tool today https://t.co/b0bzFa1Dgo https://t.co/EzuY3EoaBa

If you have a health condition or a disability that makes it difficult to work, even if you are working from home, support may be available Find out if you could get an #AccesstoWork grant to support you in work https://t.co/JnEiRc6X5H https://t.co/k3LnExGXhQ

James is one of thousands of young people aged 16 to 24 who have taken up paid employment through the #Kickstart Scheme Find out how you can join him https://t.co/GaN3y3aLg7 https://t.co/0eWqCvt8Nm

With Universal Credit, you only need to make one application and we will work out the right amount for your circumstances Find out more: https://t.co/Ix8SbxhLt0 https://t.co/PO8WyWEAGV

Over 80% of disabled people acquire a disability while they are in work. @CocaCola_GB a #DisabilityConfident leader has been able to support Christine Find out more about Disability Confident https://t.co/RcV3W0Le9n #NationalDisabilityStrategy https://t.co/PgofnnKx2w

With so many different job roles and great opportunities for development, find out if you’ve got what it takes to work in haulage and logistics https://t.co/yp9pmAchlZ #JobHelp #PlanForJobs https://t.co/5nhjY3kW2n

Found: Correspondence from Peter Schofield CB, Permanent Secretary, Department for Work and Pensions, re TM15

Found: Correspondence from Peter Schofield CB, Permanent Secretary, Department for Work and Pensions, re TM26

Found: Correspondence from Peter Schofield CB, Permanent Secretary, Department for Work and Pensions, re DWP

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of families in Blackpool North and Cleveleys have taken up their entitlement to 15 hours of early education and childcare per week.

Answered by Will Quince - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

Data on the number and percentage of children registered to receive the funded early education entitlements is published in the 'Education provision: children under 5' national statistics release which can be found here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/education-provision-children-under-5/2021.

The table shows the number and percentage (where available) of eligible 2 year old and 3 and 4 year old children registered to receive funded early education, extended funded early education, and those in receipt of early years pupil premium.

Data is not available at parliamentary constituency level, therefore it has been provided for Blackpool local authority.

Data is not held for the number of parents eligible for early years pupil premium or extended funded early education at local authority or parliamentary consistency level, therefore percentages cannot be provided.

Number and take up rate of eligible 2 year olds and 3 and 4 year old children registered to receive funded early education, extended early education and those in receipt of early years pupil premium January 2021 Blackpool local authority:

Source: Early Years Census and School Census

1. Children who split their entitlement across more than one private, voluntary, or Independent provider are only counted at the provider where they spend the majority of their time.
2. 2021 is the first year of data covering COVID-19, collected during January's national lockdown. A higher proportion of children recorded as registered to receive early education entitlements will have been temporarily absent during census week itself than previous years.
3. The estimated number of eligible two year old children is derived from data supplied by the Department for Work and Pensions each November. It represents the best data available on the number of children meeting the benefit and tax credit eligibility criteria. Since 2019 it includes universal credit recipients.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of eligible parents in Blackpool North and Cleveleys claim the Early Years Pupil Premium.

Answered by Will Quince - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

Data on the number and percentage of children registered to receive the funded early education entitlements is published in the 'Education provision: children under 5' national statistics release which can be found here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/education-provision-children-under-5/2021.

The table shows the number and percentage (where available) of eligible 2 year old and 3 and 4 year old children registered to receive funded early education, extended funded early education, and those in receipt of early years pupil premium.

Data is not available at parliamentary constituency level, therefore it has been provided for Blackpool local authority.

Data is not held for the number of parents eligible for early years pupil premium or extended funded early education at local authority or parliamentary consistency level, therefore percentages cannot be provided.

Number and take up rate of eligible 2 year olds and 3 and 4 year old children registered to receive funded early education, extended early education and those in receipt of early years pupil premium January 2021 Blackpool local authority:

Source: Early Years Census and School Census

1. Children who split their entitlement across more than one private, voluntary, or Independent provider are only counted at the provider where they spend the majority of their time.
2. 2021 is the first year of data covering COVID-19, collected during January's national lockdown. A higher proportion of children recorded as registered to receive early education entitlements will have been temporarily absent during census week itself than previous years.
3. The estimated number of eligible two year old children is derived from data supplied by the Department for Work and Pensions each November. It represents the best data available on the number of children meeting the benefit and tax credit eligibility criteria. Since 2019 it includes universal credit recipients.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing a cycle scheme whereby people of pension age can obtain commuter bikes and cycling accessories at a discounted rate; and whether he has had discussions with Ministerial colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions on such a scheme.

Answered by Chris Heaton-Harris - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

The Department has not made any detailed assessment of the potential merits of introducing such a scheme. The Cycle to Work scheme enables employees of any age to hire a cycle and safety equipment from their employer through a salary sacrifice arrangement, effectively providing access to cycles at a discount. For those who are not in employment, no similar scheme is in place, but the Department is supporting pilot schemes in a number of local authority areas to test approaches to providing e-cycles to those with the highest need, including those that cannot benefit from the cycle to work scheme. The Department is also due to launch a national e-cycle support programme shortly, building on the lessons learned from these pilot schemes. It is also developing a social prescribing pilot scheme to be rolled out in some local authority areas which could involve providing subsidised access to cycles for older people.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, which (a) offices and (b) other Government departments officials working on dementia in his Department engage with as part of their roles.

Answered by Gillian Keegan - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Since work on the development of the new dementia strategy has resumed, officials have been engaging with a range of stakeholders including members of the Dementia Programme Board such as the Alzheimer’s Society, NHS England and NHS Improvement and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. In addition, Departmental officials have engaged with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Department for Transport and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to tackle the estimated 500,000 job vacancies across the food and drink sector.

Answered by Lord Benyon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra is working closely with the food and drink sector to understand labour demand and supply, including both permanent and seasonal workforce requirements.

The Seasonal Workers Pilot was expanded for 2021, from 10,000 to 30,000 visas, granted for workers to come to the UK for a period of up to six months to work in the edible horticulture sector.

Although pilot numbers have increased, it is not designed to meet the full labour needs of the horticultural sector. This workforce boost will complement the workers already resident in the UK and looking to take up farm work during the busy harvest months, following in the footsteps of those who took up positions last summer to help keep the nation fed despite the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.

In response to the current exceptional circumstances, up to 5500 poultry workers and 5000 HGV drivers transporting food and fuel will be able to enter the UK for work in the lead up to Christmas 2021. This is a temporary, emergency measure. 800 pork butchers will also be able to enter and work in the UK for a period of six months. This additional temporary adjustment is in addition to foreign butchers already being eligible since January 2021 to apply to come to the UK through the Skilled Worker Route as part of the point-based immigration system.

In 2021 and beyond, businesses will continue to be able to rely on EU nationals living in the UK with settled or pre-settled status. Over 5.3 million EU citizens and their families have been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

The Government is encouraging all sectors, including the food and drink sector, to make employment more attractive to UK domestic workers through offering training, careers options, wage increases and to invest in automation technology.

To help with these efforts, Defra is working with industry and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to raise awareness of career opportunities within the food and drink sector among UK workers.

All food and drink sector businesses are encouraged to advertise roles through the Find A Job website, where they can upload and manage their vacancies. DWP does not charge for this service and it is available across the United Kingdom.

Defra also welcomes the Ministry of Justice’s work on the Release On Temporary Licence scheme for work across a number of sectors, including the food and drink sector. The scheme aims to help prisoners gain useful skills and work experience as they approach their release.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to tackle labour shortages in the pig processing industry.

Answered by Victoria Prentis - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government has announced a package of measures to support the pig industry. These measures come in recognition of the unique temporary circumstances farmers are facing, brought about by the global economy responding to the impacts of the pandemic, the loss of the Chinese export market for some processors and the global pressures facing supply chains worldwide.

From November 2021, these measures include allowing up to 800 temporary pig butchers to enter the UK to work for six months. This temporary adjustment is in addition to foreign butchers already being eligible to apply to come to the UK through the Skilled Worker Route as part of the point-based immigration system.

The temporary visas are not a long-term solution and businesses must make long term investments in the UK domestic workforce to build a high-wage, high-skill economy, instead of relying on overseas labour. The Government expects the pork sector to encourage better training offers, career options and wage increases to ensure that the sector draws on the large domestic labour pool in the UK, as well as investing in technology across the industry.

To support these efforts, Defra is working with industry and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to raise awareness of career opportunities within the food and farming sectors among UK workers. All pig farming and processing businesses are encouraged to advertise roles through DWP's Find A Job website, where they can upload and manage their vacancies. The DWP does not charge for this service and it is available across the United Kingdom.

In 2021 and beyond, the pig industry will continue to be able to rely on EU nationals living in the UK with settled or pre-settled status. Over 5.3 million EU citizens and their families have been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme and EU nationals who have settled status can continue to travel to the UK to do seasonal work in the pig processing sector in 2021.

Defra is also working closely with the Home Office to ensure there is a long-term strategy for the food and farming workforce beyond 2021.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to Answer of 20 September to Question 47079, what (a) number of training places were created for job seekers to drive HGVs, (b) additional amount of money was provided to fund these places and (c) number of places were created for apprenticeships, and (d) number of additional HGV driver testing places have been created since September 2020.

Answered by Trudy Harrison - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The requested information on the number of training places created for job seekers to drive HGVs and the amount of funding provided for the places is not available. The DWP Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAPs) statistics include non-HGV driver roles and it is not possible to split HGV driver SWAPs from the data. It is also not possible to identify purchases of HGV driver training within general Flexible Support Fund spending.

The number of apprenticeship places is not limited. There were 1,739 LGV Driver apprenticeship starts in the academic year 2020/21. The new Large Goods Vehicle Driver apprenticeship was made available on 2 August 2021. The data for starts since its introduction is not yet available.

Weekly HGV testing capacity prior to March 2020 was 1,500. Additional capacity has been incrementally put into place since May this year, through operational and legislative changes. Currently there are up to 2,850 HGV tests are available weekly.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether he has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the role of local authorities in addressing food poverty in localities.

Answered by Kemi Badenoch - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (jointly with Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)

The Department for Work and Pensions lead cross-government action on tackling poverty, including with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and other departments specifically on food poverty. Officials have been working closely with DEFRA and other departments to deliver a number of key cross-cutting outcomes, including addressing poverty through enabling progression into work and increasing financial resilience.

Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of providing support to pensioners to avoid fuel poverty ahead of the energy bill increases expected in October 2021.

Answered by Greg Hands - Minister of State (Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy)

This winter, the energy price cap will continue to protect around 15 million British households on default tariffs, saving them between £75 and £100 a year on dual fuel bills. A £500 million Household Support Fund has also been announced by the Department for Work and Pensions to help vulnerable people with essential household costs over this winter.

The Winter Fuel Payment provides pensioners with support for their energy bills over winter. The Government has committed to keeping the winter fuel payment and will continue to pay £200 to eligible households with those aged between state pension age and 79, and £300 to a household with those aged 80 or over.

The Warm Home Discount scheme, worth £354 million this year, further provides eligible low-income and vulnerable households with £140 off their fuel bill over winter. Around one million low-income pensioner households – in receipt of the Guarantee Credit element of the Pension Credit – will receive a rebate this winter. The scheme will be extended to 2026 and continue to support low-income pensioners with their energy bills.

Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions officials in his Department have had with representatives of energy companies on ensuring that the Warm Home Discount Scheme provided by those companies remains fit for purpose.

Answered by Greg Hands - Minister of State (Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy)

In the summer, the Government consulted on extending, expanding, and reforming the Warm Home Discount scheme from 2022 until 2026 at least. The measures included expanding the overall spending envelope from around £350 million to £475 million (in 2020 prices) and increasing the value of the rebates to households to £150, which would mean 3 million low-income and vulnerable households each winter would receive a rebate. We also proposed reforming the scheme to better target those in fuel poverty and enabling the vast majority of households to receive their rebates automatically without having to apply, as around half of recipients currently do.

The consultation received responses from a large cross-section of stakeholders, including from energy suppliers. We will publish the Government’s response to the consultation in the coming months.

In addition, officials from BEIS, the Department for Work and Pensions, and Ofgem continue to engage regularly with energy suppliers on the functioning of the scheme.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many new claims for (a) statutory paternity pay, (b) statutory maternity pay and (c) maternity allowance were approved in each quarter of financial year 2020-21.

Answered by Lucy Frazer - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The information is not held in the form requested. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) does hold information on claimants of statutory maternity pay and statutory paternity pay, but this is not limited to new claims. Quarterly counts of claims would include claimants in each quarter in which they received the statutory payment. HMRC does not hold any information on payments of Maternity Allowance.

The Department for Work and Pensions publishes statistics about benefits, including average caseloads for Statutory Maternity Pay and Maternity Allowance:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/benefit-expenditure-tables

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what guidance her Department is providing to (a) banks and (b) mortgage lenders on (i) EU Settled Status and (ii) accepting digital proof of that status.

Answered by Kevin Foster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

We are enabling other government departments and public authorities to be able to automatically access immigration status information. Currently, this includes the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and NHS England and Wales.

The data made available is specific to the need of each department and contains only the necessary information to inform their decision making. By making data available in this way, we are reducing the number of occasions on which an individual has to prove their status in the UK. The Borders, Immigration and Citizenship Privacy Notice provides information about how we share data with other government departments.

When applying for banking services, all individuals are required to provide proof of their identity as part of anti-money laundering, regulatory ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) checks.

We have produced guidance for financial providers to help them understand the documents we issue, including eVisas, and how they can be used as proof of identity for the purposes of KYC checks. This can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/biometric-residence-documents-information-for-financial-providers

As detailed in this guidance, financial institutions can check someone’s identity, using the online ‘View and Prove’ service at:

https://www.gov.uk/check-immigration-status.

This enables checks to be conducted without physical documents changing hands or the checker having to assess the authenticity of the documents and whether the person presenting it is the rightful holder.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the Government plans to add the garment industry to the Shortage Occupation List.

Answered by Kevin Foster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Skilled Worker route already contains several eligible occupations from this sector, such as weavers, upholsterers, tailors and dressmakers subject to salary and language requirements being met. An occupation at RQF3 or above does not need to be on the Shortage Occupation List to qualify for recruitment under the Skilled Worker Route.

In their last call for evidence the independent Migration Advisory Committee received evidence from several stakeholders from the garment industry, but they concluded this evidence did not warrant occupations from this sector being added onto the SOL. We will also not be creating more general routes allowing recruitment at or near the minimum wage into this sector via immigration as an alternative to investing in UK based staff and offering them rewarding packages of terms and conditions.

More generally those business facing recruitment issues should, in the first instance, engage with the Department for Work and Pensions about the support they can offer in seeking recruits and supporting training.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to reduce the administrative requirements on EU citizens with Settled Status to prove their status without physical documentation when accessing essential services.

Answered by Kevin Foster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

We are enabling other government departments and public authorities to be able to automatically access immigration status information. Currently, this includes the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and NHS England and Wales.

The data made available is specific to the need of each department and contains only the necessary information to inform their decision making. By making data available in this way, we are reducing the number of occasions on which an individual has to prove their status in the UK. The Borders, Immigration and Citizenship Privacy Notice provides information about how we share data with other government departments.

When applying for banking services, all individuals are required to provide proof of their identity as part of anti-money laundering, regulatory ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) checks.

We have produced guidance for financial providers to help them understand the documents we issue, including eVisas, and how they can be used as proof of identity for the purposes of KYC checks. This can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/biometric-residence-documents-information-for-financial-providers

As detailed in this guidance, financial institutions can check someone’s identity, using the online ‘View and Prove’ service at:

https://www.gov.uk/check-immigration-status.

This enables checks to be conducted without physical documents changing hands or the checker having to assess the authenticity of the documents and whether the person presenting it is the rightful holder.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to offer support towards the cost of obtaining a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence for those people interested in (a) returning to and (b) taking up driving a lorry, bus, or coach professionally.

Answered by Trudy Harrison - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Responsibility for planning and completing the necessary training in order to meet Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) requirements lies with individual drivers and their employers. In some circumstances, employers might decide to support the driver financially to undertake the training. The cost of periodic training courses charged to the driver is decided by approved centres and determined by commercial factors.

Many employers are currently offering training packages to support drivers whose Driver CPC has lapsed to update their training through classroom or online courses. Heavy goods vehicle (HGV) licence holders, who are currently unemployed or are in receipt of Universal Credit can, at the discretion of local Department for Work (DWP) advisors, access the DWP Flexible Support Fund to renew their Driver CPC.

The Department for Education is also investing up to £10 million pounds to create new ‘Skills Bootcamps’ to train up to 5,000 people to become HGV drivers. These free, intensive courses will train drivers to be road ready and gain a category C or category C+E licence, helping to tackle the current HGV driver shortage.

An additional 1,000 people are expected to be trained through courses accessed locally and funded by the government’s adult education budget. To help make sure new drivers can be road ready as quickly as possible, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has also agreed to ensure that driving tests will be available for participants who have completed training courses as soon as possible.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to help ensure that EU citizens with status and British citizens living in the UK who have received letters from the Department for Work and Pensions stating that they must apply for immigration status, following the UK's departure from the EU, within 28 days or their benefits will stop, do not have their entitlements terminated.

Answered by Kevin Foster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Home Office has worked closely with the DWP to identify individuals in receipt of benefits who may be eligible but have yet to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). In trying to reach as many people as possible, there were a small number of instances where letters were sent to recipients who were naturalised, or dual British and EU citizens, or had other forms of immigration status.

We have taken a range of steps to ensure EU citizens with status and British citizens were removed from our data matching exercise, including re-running the exercise and establishing a dedicated customer service team to manage queries from those who had received a letter and are British or Irish citizens, or already held a valid immigration status. The helpline number was included in the letter sent out in August.

In September, DWP wrote to benefit holders who had still not applied to the EUSS or confirmed their immigration status in the UK with the Home Office, to determine whether they remained entitled to their benefits. Due to some overlap between the sharing of data lists and the DWP mailout, a small number of individuals were contacted by DWP despite having previously contacted the Home Office to confirm their status. Details of the individuals in this small cohort who have verified their status have now been passed to DWP to remove them from their data lists so no further action to suspend or terminate their benefits is taken as a result of not applying to the EUSS.

Individuals wishing to evidence their eligibility for benefits as a result of a letter received from DWP - including those who are British or Irish citizens or already have immigration status - must contact DWP. DWP will carry out further checks, including with the Home Office, and carefully consider evidence before taking any suspension or termination action.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, further to the Answer of 16 September 2021 to Question 47013, what recent discussions has he had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the potential merits of increasing carer's allowance in respect of the forthcoming proposals for social care.

Answered by Gillian Keegan - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

While there have been no specific discussions, we will ensure that unpaid carers have the support, advice and respite they need, fulfilling the goals of the Care Act 2014. We will work with the sector, including unpaid carers and the Department for Work and Pensions to develop our plans and publish further detail in a white paper for reform later this year.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of a cross-departmental task force to improve housing options that include CQC-regulated social care.

Answered by Gillian Keegan - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government’s plan for health and social care, announced on 7 September, recognised the important role of housing in providing care and support to people in the community. We will invest in supported housing, including housing-with-care, as well as exploring other innovative housing solutions to support more people to live independently at home for longer, with personalised care and support.

The Department of Health and Social Care works closely with the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the Department for Work and Pensions to increase the supply and quality of supported housing. We are engaging closely with the sector and a range of other stakeholders, including considering the merits of different engagement and delivery models including proposals from the sector for a cross-Government taskforce.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to work with the Ministry of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to expand housing-with-care provision.

Answered by Gillian Keegan - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government’s plan for health and social care, announced on 7 September, recognised the important role of housing in providing care and support to people in the community. We will invest in supported housing, including housing-with-care, as well as exploring other innovative housing solutions to support more people to live independently at home for longer, with personalised care and support.

The Department of Health and Social Care works closely with the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the Department for Work and Pensions to increase the supply and quality of supported housing. We are engaging closely with the sector and a range of other stakeholders, including considering the merits of different engagement and delivery models including proposals from the sector for a cross-Government taskforce.

Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what assessment she has made of the impact of her role as Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs on her ability to deliver her Department's Equalities agenda.

Answered by Elizabeth Truss - Foreign Secretary

The priorities of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Equality Hub are closely aligned: both are working to promote the safety and empowerment of women and girls; share a commitment to advance LGBT equality through the Global LGBT Conference; are supporting our global leadership on disability rights; and collaborate across many other areas of work as we advance core freedoms and liberties across the world.

Whether it be banning the abhorrent practice of conversion therapy, ending violence against women and girls, or improving equality of opportunity in education here in the UK and internationally, joint working towards common goals strengthens our ability to deliver equality for all.

More broadly, having Ministers based across Government in the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for International Trade, and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities will support our ambitions to build back fairer from COVID-19 and level up across the country.

Delays in the administration of the State Pension

Found: confirming entitlement to benefits or the state pension; pension or benefit correspondence from the Department

Found: Health Service;(d)NHS Scotland; (e)all types of state funded schools; (f)local authorities; (g)the Department

Found: These Explanatory Notes have been prepared by the Department for Work and Pensions on behalf of Margaret

Found: of Guaranteed Minimum Pensions) BillEXPLANATORY NOTESExplanatory notes to the Bill, prepared by the Department

Found: Health Service;(d)NHS Scotland; (e)all types of state funded schools; (f)local authorities; (g)the Department

Found: These Explanatory Notes have been prepared by the Department for Work and Pensions on behalf of Margaret

Found: confirming entitlement to benefits or the state pension; pension or benefit correspondence from the Department

Found: COMMITTEE STAGE 11(d)NHS Scotland; (e)all types of state funded schools; (f)local authorities; (g)the Department

Found: confirming entitlement to benefits or the state pension; pension or benefit correspondence from the Department

Found: confirming entitlement to benefits or the state pension; pension or benefit correspondence from the Department

Found: confirming entitlement to benefits or the state pension; pension or benefit correspondence from the Department

Found: confirming entitlement to benefits or the state pension; pension or benefit correspondence from the Department

Found: confirming entitlement to benefits or the state pension; pension or benefit correspondence from the Department

Found: Health Service;(d)NHS Scotland; (e)all types of state funded schools; (f)local authorities; (g)the Department

This Govt is committed to making work pay,helping more people on low incomes to keep more of their wages-we at @dwp are delighted with measures inc ✅ Reduction in UC taper rate ✅ Increasing work allowances by £500 ✅ Raising the National Living Wage #JobsCommunityProgression

👍Great to see @BITC & employers of all sizes getting involved with @DWP & supporting jobseekers with coaching & support to help them seize their next opportunity and progress in their careers #PlanforJobs #JobsCommunityProgression https://t.co/1Z3NDHnW9K

@DebbyHallett_LD @DWP That’s so awful. If you need any help do email on a constituent capacity and we can

Thursday 10am 📺 🕵🏽‍♀️Tens of thousands of people -around 90% of them women- have been underpaid #StatePension for many years: This not the first widespread error @DWP in recent years & fixing these errors comes at great cost to the #taxpayer More info 👉🏽https://t.co/FzrVUlIF4A https://t.co/NdB6v8xn7a

To celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth we are sharing stories from our colleagues about what they are #ProudToBe. Today it's Sita Egole, Senior Lawyer, Department for Work and Pensions Legal Advisers. https://t.co/E5EUInW3BQ

Good initiative by @TalkTalkGroup + @DWP to provide 6 months free broadband for jobseekers This will help jobseekers in #Salford to access training & support & also keep contact with local #JobCentrePlus as much assistance is now online https://t.co/ENHbw1YowM

Next, @jessicamordenmp asked about delays for constituents getting their pensions. Jacob Rees Mogg agrees this is worrying and says he will pass it on to DWP. https://t.co/BAQlj8mrDk

👍Great - in person! - meeting @DWP @RECPress @RECNeil & members today. Renewed our vital partnership & discussed collective steps underway to support people-at any age & any career stage-to get into work, progress & fulfil their potential #PlanForJobs #JobsCommunityProgression https://t.co/sl5XIuBIWl

Our dedicated @DWP teams are helping stop cycle of re-offending & are supporting prisoners to find work-a crucial part of turning their lives around & vitally cutting crime. Read more on our employment support for ex-offenders: https://t.co/o4MN9SVrC3 #JobsCommunityProgression https://t.co/qBnEkSGeUm

Now onto the Q&A - @CommonwealCEO asks who else needs to be involved in this work? Responses from the panel emphasis the need to acknowledge the criminality that is happening in the sector now and the importance of involving all relevant Govt depts, inc. health, DWP, Treasury

On Tuesday I asked @DWP what @UKParliament are doing to help those at risk of eviction because of COVID-19 A household is evicted every 63 minutes 1/3 of evictions explicitly mention Covid-19 related poverty We need to keep people in their homes #StopMassHomelessness https://t.co/oYhJ2Bj5Qg

Fantastic to meet Amanda and Chelsea at The Glam Salon in East Park, Southgate who are fundraising today for @BreastCancerNow #WearItPink! My thanks for their efforts and good to visit a new start-up #Crawley company who are taking on DWP/Job Centre Kickstart scheme employees! https://t.co/P7RyMEQeBw

At @Policy_Exchange where @theresecoffey sets out in detail the work @DWP is doing to ensure #Parisalignment as we journey to net zero 1/ 👍 https://t.co/SuNrSvY5nj

💷 In #BusinessQuestions I highlighted how constituents are not receiving their state pension on time, despite applying well in advance of reaching pension age. This should be matter of routine, but that isn't the case at the moment. There are questions for the DWP to answer. https://t.co/uiv1eGWijp

I tried to get called during #PMQs yesterday to press the PM on why so many people are not being paid their State Pension on time. This follows on from my recent letter to DWP about my serious concerns for constituents. https://t.co/eTV3G0uwVA Here's what I would have asked 👇 https://t.co/lgRsT0MuAI

Great to join @LearnWorkUK today & deliver keynote address from @DWP HQ at #YouthEmployment21 – discussed how our expanded #PlanForJobs & extended #Kickstart scheme & #YouthHubs are helping young people get work, build confidence & to really progress #JobsCommunityProgression https://t.co/1woZe7wxnG

I was proud to speak at @RNIB Visibly Better reception in Westminster. Almost 2 million people in the UK live with sight loss and as the new @DWP Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work I am committed to seeing more in employment, living independent lives https://t.co/pR6rlSdPiZ

DWP Legal Advisers are proud to have played a key role in shaping and delivering the launch of #Kickstart, helping to get young people’s careers going #PlanForJobs. Find out more about the scheme: https://t.co/daSmFkT5uR https://t.co/qCxqH3bqSF

📣Last call to submit your views by *Monday 25th* 📣 to inform our inquiry on who's been underpaid their #StatePension, WHY & what @DWP is doing to put this - and similar problems it's experienced over many years across other #benefits - *right* 📖👉🏽https://t.co/FzrVUlIF4A https://t.co/4pWGLtoGz1

2) as part of a “recommissioning process” by the Money and Pensions Service who are funded by DWP and are the largest contractor of community based debt advice in the region...

Thank you 🙏 @JudithWood2 And to all those unsung heroes on the frontline of our public services who are also often at risk: our Police officers, bus drivers, GP surgery, DWP & council staff and others. #MoreInCommon https://t.co/HhcmV2aRq4

Families share experiences of DWP deaths after viewing ground-breaking exhibition https://t.co/rDRry4kITY via @johnpringdns

At @dwp we are reforming pensions online with #pensionsdashboards and reforming written statements with #simplerstatements. Much more to do with both projects, but this twin track approach is the way ahead 👍 https://t.co/pHwgQjqoBF

A quick drop in to @dwp #Brighton JCP yesterday as part of our #PlanForJobs 1 year #JETS anniversary-thank you to our local team for all they are doing supporting people into jobs-the #HospitalityRocks campaign is brilliant & really supporting the sector #JobsCommunityProgression https://t.co/XljzKsTrR9

👍#PlanForJobs is working - well done to all at our JCPSs & across @DWP #JobsCommunityProgression https://t.co/R0H1E8eesc

Glad to hear that #WestSussex will receive £4.8m from the £500m @DWP Household Support Fund, reaffirming the Government's commitment to protect the most vulnerable in our society. https://t.co/iLRh8s2jMA

Very encouraging news today that we have record number of people on payroll showing #PlanforJobs is working. We still have many people looking for work too, supported by @dwp, and we will continue to try to help employers fill their vacancies https://t.co/jDuYY8VLtz

In our @dwp Jobcentres we are connecting local jobseekers to the record number of vacancies out there - matching talent & opportunities across the country - so that people can find their next work opportunity & be ready to take their next step #JobsCommunityProgression https://t.co/d7JaQ1raSC

This work by @WorldBank @IMFNews is vital to the outcome of @COP26 Really pleased that the UK 🇬🇧 and @DWP are supporting with the our expanding ESG investment, world first implementation of climate related financial disclosure and the work of our 2021 #pensionsschemesact https://t.co/wQPcjsnMpw

My thanks to Nicola for organising - was also a chance for me to set out what we are doing to combat climate change in my portfolio @DWP + some of the decisions @RishiSunak has made / on his agenda 2/ https://t.co/yZTzNFYXnU https://t.co/yrLZnIfTTG

Another great #ConstituencyFriday around #MidNorfolk meeting: 👨‍🎓Fiona, Principal of @matrixeduinfo 🏡@BreckCouncil 🏘Mayor @atttowncouncil ⛪️ Bishop of Lynn @DioceseNorwich 👷Julia Nix & team @DWP Dereham 🚙Parents & head @robertkettsch re traffic chaos https://t.co/yK2sDTbpGw

@baljit_garcha @JPMarksDWP @RamachandranDWP @Prathiba01 @Hameraahmad1 @trish_nichols @Runningmum44 @deakin_aimee @helenbroadleyx @JWRTalks Had a fantastic, inspiring visit - thank you @DWP again for all your brilliant work daily changing lives #JobsCommunityProgression #LevellingUp

Great to visit & open our new @DWP Jobcentre in Maidstone today & meet some of the brilliant Work Coaches who are already busy matching local talent to the huge range of roles & training opportunities out there #JobsCommunityProgression #PlanForJobs #KickStart #Restart #JETS https://t.co/P2vFZRFJza

Another kick in the teeth for our EU citizens, courtesy of the Home Office and DWP. EU nationals with settled status warned benefits will stop in weeks https://t.co/kB8pKmNNvT

This National Customer Service Week, Sonya Wilkinson from DWP shares her personal account of the challenges she overcame, to continue delivering excellent customer service during the pandemic. #NCSW21 #ProudToBeODP https://t.co/sO6aXa3sp0

According to data from the DWP, there are over 7000 children in my patch who are set to lose out as a result of this cut. Let’s be clear, the government have abandoned them.(4/9)

‼️Starting soon @ChathamHouse - live from our new @DWP #Maidstone JCP as part of #PlanforJobs https://t.co/rMQGPWIkbn

Found: over than the amount of reduced over-75s grant it received from the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP

Found: This pilot will be led by DWP working with other departments including BEIS, DfE and HMRC in order

Found: welfare cap is considered justified 3.36 There will then be a debate on a votable motion led by the Department

Found: Department for Education; Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Department for Transport; Department

Found: mendments Extension of eligibility for bereavement benefits to cohabitees with children DWP

Found: Contributing departments are BEIS, DCMS, DLUHC , DWP and HO . 7 Metric not yet published.

Found: Department for Education; Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Department for Transport; Department

Found: Research and Development 1,018,000 100% 100% 100% 149,693,624 99.5% 99.50% 99.5% 65 Department

Found: points of the income distribution, 2009-10 to 201 9-20 Source: Households Below Average Income, DWP

Found: published its investment in September 2021,7 and is progressing policy development through several Department

Found: In July 2021, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) laid legislation before Parliament requiring

Found: for Work and Pensions (excl. agencies) 2510 5090 7600 0.67 Work and Pensions Health and Safety Executive

Found: Contacted DWP/JobCentre Plus 4. Contacted local authority 5.

Found: Services) 4% Hospital 2% Police Below 1% Sheltered ac commodation/residential care home Below 1% Department

Found: their work will also have implications fo r the policies of other government department s such as the Department

Found: community, to help them access mainstream services – such as those provided by Skills Funding Agency and Department

Found: convention means FTEs can be overstated in the annual figures, particularly for large departments like DWP

Found: Agency2,5002,4002,4802,390-20-10-0.7-0.3 Work and PensionsDWP Corporate and Shared Services10,5009,800n/an/a-20-20-0.2-0.2 DWP

Found: Agency2,5702,4802,5502,470-20-10-0.8-0.4 Work and PensionsDWP Corporate and Shared Services10,2809,590n/an/a000.00.0 DWP

Found: .-0.10.0 DWP Corporate Servicesn/an/a7,7507,450n/an/an/an/a DWP Shared Servicesn/an/a4,5804,130n/an/an

Found: The Scottish Government and ONS are working together to ensure consistent definitions in future.5 Department

Found: Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Table A9: Department for Education (DfE) Table A10: Department

Found: Ltd is a private limited company and we predominantly provide digital and technology services to the Department

Found: Ltd is a private limited company and we predominantly provide digital and technology services to the Department

Found: digital technology company which had been set up to provide specialist digital technology services to the Department

Found: successful projects and Before joining Companies House, John-Mark held a number of roles in the Department

Found: SERVICE Q1 19/20NHSRVJDepartment of HealthPublic Health EnglandST MUNGOS43742.07992230.08661.2NULLUBC1HI: DWP

Found: See pages 34-35.12We will continue to work with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and other

Found: See pages 20-21. 12We will continue to work with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and other

Found: an annual valuation of the PPF is also set out in the Framework document agreed between us and the Department

Found: households should be substantially improved through the use of greater sharing of data between HMRC, DWP

Found: From: Social Security Advisory Committee and Department for Work and Pensions Published 7 October 2021

Found: been familiar with the work of the Committee over the past ten years Πboth during my time in the Department

Found: RPC - DWP - 5097(1) 07/10/21 Simpler Annual Benefit Statements Lead department Department for

Found: provide medical evidence for employers or to support a claim to health-related benefits through the Department

Found: (e) To evidence a pension: (i) Official documentation f rom: (1) The Department for Work and

Found: Justice; Lt Cdr Norma Muyambo from the Ministry of Defence; Nicola Lee and Anne Dunwoodie from the Department