Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Sharma and Scott Mann

Monday 21st May 2018 Commons Chamber

[Scott Mann (North Cornwall) (Con)]

A small number of my constituents do not have the digital skills or the equipment to be able to process their universal credit online. What is the Department doing to help them?

[Alok Sharma]

Ninety-nine per cent. of universal credit claims are made online, and those who need support to gain basic digital skills are offered digital support as part of our universal support offering.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Sharma and Scott Mann

Monday 30th October 2017 Commons Chamber

[Scott Mann (North Cornwall) (Con)]

T8. Will the Secretary of State look at what can be done to lift restrictive planning conditions that are holding back long-term economic growth?

[The Minister for Housing and Planning (Alok Sharma)]

Planning conditions should, of course, only be imposed where they are necessary and meet the other requirements of national policy. What I can say more widely is that we are making changes in the planning system: planning fees are being increased, which will ensure there is more money in the planning authorities; and we are also looking at requiring an increase in build-out rates.