Universal Credit Work Allowance

Debate between Ruth Cadbury and Justin Tomlinson

Wednesday 6th January 2016 Commons Chamber

[Justin Tomlinson]

That is why it is key that this Government are committed to building and delivering more affordable housing, particularly in London. I welcome the measures that the Chancellor set out to make that happen. [Interruption.] The hon. Member for Birmingham, Yardley (Jess Phillips) may laugh, but we saw record low house building under the last Labour Government, robbing people again of opportunity.

[Ruth Cadbury (Brentford and Isleworth) (Lab)]

Has the Minister made an assessment of how many people on universal credit will be able to afford even a starter home in London?

[Justin Tomlinson]

That shows why we have to create opportunities, so that people can get into work, increase their hours—[Interruption.] Again, the hon. Member for Birmingham, Yardley does not like creating opportunity. We can all play top trumps on trading backgrounds, but we have to create those opportunities for people, regardless of the challenges they face. My party values the prospect of the potential for people to have home ownership.