Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Paul Maynard and Lindsay Hoyle

Monday 13th May 2024 Commons Chamber

[Paul Maynard]

In 2023, 1% of low-income pensioners lived in a household that had accessed a food bank within 12 months. That percentage is unchanged from the previous year’s figures. I recognise the effort that people put into supplying their Front Benchers and Back Benchers with zinger points to make, but when I was in that role 25 years ago, I learned to make sure I had worked out what the Government’s answer might actually be.

[Mr Speaker]

We now come to the temporary shadow Minister. I wish the shadow Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Leicester West (Liz Kendall), a speedy recovery, and look forward to seeing her in the House. Angela Eagle, welcome back.

[Dame Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab)]

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I am sure that the shadow Secretary of State is making a good recovery—she is probably watching us even now, in between her physiotherapy.

Is it not the case that on this Government’s watch, food bank usage has doubled for pensioners, and over 2 million pensioners—nearly one in five—are now living in poverty? That figure is not stable; it is rising, so what is the Minister going to do about it?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Paul Maynard and Lindsay Hoyle

Monday 18th March 2024 Commons Chamber

[Paul Maynard]

I am not sure whether the hon. Gentleman is volunteering himself for a post-Commons career, but there are many job opportunities for pensioners across the country. Indeed, many people working on attendance allowance in my part of Blackpool are in their 70s and 80s, and they are doing a fantastic job. We put an awful lot of effort, not just through the mid-life MOT but through the older worker support in our jobcentres, to make sure that we match jobseekers to the right job for them.

[Mr Speaker]

I call the shadow Minister.

[Gill Furniss (Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough) (Lab)]

Time and again, pensioners have been let down by this Government. They suspended the triple lock, breaking a key manifesto promise; their disastrous mini-Budget knocked hundreds of billions of pounds from pension pots; and their failure to get a grip on the cost of living means that pensioners are mainly living in cold homes over the winter and have a choice between heating or eating. Against this backdrop, is the Minister at all surprised that almost one in five pensioners are now living in poverty?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Paul Maynard and Lindsay Hoyle

Monday 18th December 2023 Commons Chamber

[Paul Maynard]

That is certainly something I need to look into. When people raise the issue of specific pension schemes, I am always conscious of just how many thousands of scheme members are potentially watching, so I do not wish to speak off the cuff and raise hopes that I may not be able to fulfil. However, I shall be happy to meet the right hon. Gentleman to discuss the circumstances in greater detail and see what can be done.

[Mr Speaker]

I call Rob Roberts. He is otherwise engaged. I call Virginia Crosbie.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Paul Maynard and Lindsay Hoyle

Thursday 10th September 2020 Commons Chamber

[Paul Maynard (Blackpool North and Cleveleys) (Con)]

May I point out to the food Minister, that contrary to what she might think—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. We need question 11.

[Paul Maynard (Blackpool North and Cleveleys) (Con)]

What steps he is taking to implement the national food strategy.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Paul Maynard and Lindsay Hoyle

Thursday 30th January 2020 Commons Chamber

[Sam Tarry]

I thank the Minister for his answer. I wish quickly to bring the House’s attention to my declaration of interests. With four Crossrail stations in Ilford South and the huge economic growth potential not just across Ilford but across the whole of London, does the Minister agree that it was utterly mad to get rid of the operating grant of £900 million year on year that has crippled Transport for London? In fact, this is an example not just of another failed project by the Department for Transport, but of a Government in crisis over the delivery of any infrastructure project. Will he commit to restoring that grant and restoring London—

[Mr Speaker]

Too long!

[Paul Maynard]

We should be a little cautious as the Department co-sponsors projects with TfL and works very closely with the Mayor of London, with TfL and with Heidi Alexander, who are very keen to see this project brought to a speedy conclusion for the benefit of all Londoners.