Debates between Baroness Watkins of Tavistock and Lord Freud during the 2015-2017 Parliament

Poverty Programmes: Audit

Debate between Baroness Watkins of Tavistock and Lord Freud
Wednesday 4th May 2016

(8 years, 6 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Freud Portrait Lord Freud
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We have a strong safety net for pensioners in failed companies, as the noble Baroness will be aware. It is important that we have a strong pension regulator behind that. I also observe that this story has shown the importance of having effective pension trustees when there is a change of ownership.

Baroness Watkins of Tavistock Portrait Baroness Watkins of Tavistock (CB)
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My Lords, what effect does the Minister think the extra health visitors who have been trained under the Prime Minister’s initiative, and the proportion who will actually be employed, will have on poverty in the future?

Lord Freud Portrait Lord Freud
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The key thing in tackling poverty is life chances—in the end, transforming people’s lives—not income transfers. To the extent that the extra support helps children in their early years and in their education, it will be of great value.