Housing Benefit

Debate between Andrew Bridgen and Andrew Bingham

Tuesday 9th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Bridgen]

rose—

[Andrew Bingham]

I will not give way, as I have nearly finished and many others are waiting to speak. [Interruption.] I can talk as long as anyone wants, but I am conscious that some Members have been in their places a long time and are waiting to speak.

It is wrong that hard-working families in my constituency and others who are living within tight budgets—

--- Later in debate ---

[Andrew Bingham]

Excuse me, but I do not like the word “demonised” any more than I like “punished” or “cleansing”. I do not like the language used by Opposition Members.

[Andrew Bridgen]

Will my hon. Friend give way?

[Andrew Bingham]

Yes, for the last time.

[Andrew Bridgen]

Does my hon. Friend believe that the increase in the housing benefit budget from £14 billion to £20 billion in the past five years is a sign of the success or the failure of the last Government’s policies?

[Andrew Bingham]

I think that “abject failure” is probably a better phrase.

I end by saying that it is wrong for families who work hard to see families on benefit living in houses that are beyond their wildest dreams.