Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jeff Smith and Damian Hinds

Monday 21st November 2016 Commons Chamber

[Damian Hinds]

First, I should say that 90% of out-of-work benefits are paid on time; of course, we always strive to make that better. On the question of whether the Jobcentre Plus network is willing to work with food banks, as I said, there is discretion locally to do that when it makes sense and if the food bank is happy to do so. There are plenty of examples of that happening around the country in terms of both signposting from Jobcentre Plus and work coaches going to food banks.

[Jeff Smith (Manchester, Withington) (Lab)]

14. What steps his Department is taking to ensure that personal independence payment assessments are undertaken fairly and appropriately.