Debates between Lord Liddle and Baroness Stedman-Scott during the 2019-2024 Parliament

Wed 13th May 2020

Universal Credit

Debate between Lord Liddle and Baroness Stedman-Scott
Wednesday 13th May 2020

(4 years, 6 months ago)

Lords Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Baroness Stedman-Scott Portrait Baroness Stedman-Scott
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I advise all noble Lords that there is no plan to convert advances to grants. I must be clear about that, although I know that it is not what people want to hear. However, I will take the point back to the department and see whether there is any movement, and I will give a written response to the noble Baroness.

Lord Liddle Portrait Lord Liddle (Lab)
- Hansard - -

Given that, because of Covid, we are in all likelihood entering a period of much higher unemployment when it will be more difficult for people to get a job, does the Minister agree that there is a case for a review of universal credit and suspending the benefit cap until such a review has taken place?

Baroness Stedman-Scott Portrait Baroness Stedman-Scott
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I think that I have answered the questions about the benefit cap and reviewing benefits quite adequately during the course of the Question. I agree that these are very challenging times. We have launched a job help website and an employer help website. We will turn every stone to ensure that we help people back to work as quickly as possible.