Welfare Reform and Work Bill

Debate between Baroness Blackstone and Lord McKenzie of Luton

Wednesday 9th December 2015 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blackstone]

My Lords, though the Minister makes a commitment, will he accept that, as is so often said in this House, if there is no statutory requirement and nothing on the statute book any one of his successors could abandon that commitment? That is why we who have concerns about children in poverty want this measure to go on being collected and to be done under statute.

[Lord McKenzie of Luton]

I agree that we should have this in legislation but can the Minister confirm that his personal commitment will cover the circumstances and the work that needs to be done to identify whether somebody is experiencing material deprivation? That is not just an income issue.