Poverty Programmes: Audit Debate
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Baroness Stedman-Scott
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Poverty Programmes: Audit
Baroness Stedman-Scott Excerpts(8 years, 6 months ago)
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Lord Freud
The key thing in tackling poverty is life chances—in the end, transforming people’s lives—not income transfers. To the extent that the extra support helps children in their early years and in their education, it will be of great value.
Baroness Stedman-Scott (Con)
My Lords, now that universal credit is in every jobcentre in the country, how is it helping the poverty agenda?
Lord Freud
I am really pleased to confirm that universal credit is now a national programme right across the country. We have real evidence that it achieves its aims: 13% are more likely to be in work at the nine-month point than if they were on JSA. It is already a good benefit by international comparisons. Many more of those in work are looking to do more hours, and many more are looking to increase their earnings than would be the case if they were on JSA.