Oral Answers to Questions

Alberto Costa Excerpts

Monday 14th March 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Vara]

We have today published information regarding that. It would cost additional funds, and the Opposition and others who support that position might wish to take that into account.

[Alberto Costa (South Leicestershire) (Con)]

17. What steps his Department is taking to help young people into employment.

[The Minister for Employment (Priti Patel)]

We are determined that young people should not slip into a life on benefits, but that they are either earning or learning. That is why we have launched Jobcentre Plus support in schools and will introduce the youth obligation in 2017, to ensure that young people get the best possible start in life.

[Alberto Costa]

In my constituency of South Leicestershire, we have seen a welcome fall of 81% in the youth claimant count, from 505 in 2010 to 95 now. That has been achieved through the strong joint working between my right hon. Friend’s Department, local authorities such as Blaby and Harborough District Councils, local enterprise partnerships, and not least businesses. Does she agree that it is through empowering and devolving responsibilities to those closest to the communities that we are most able to provide the support needed to help young people to get back to work?

[Priti Patel]

I pay tribute to all the local stakeholders in my hon. Friend’s constituency who have been providing vital employment support to people to get the claimant count down so low. He is right to say that local decisions help to get people into work. That is why we are always mindful of local labour market trends.