Oral Answers to Questions

Caroline Nokes Excerpts
Monday 9th January 2017

(7 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Ben Howlett Portrait Ben Howlett (Bath) (Con)
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I welcome the fact that more than 1 million more women are in employment now than in 2010, but will the Minister confirm what the Government are doing to support women with children who might find it difficult to return to work because of childcare responsibilities?

Caroline Nokes Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Welfare Delivery (Caroline Nokes)
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Our aim is to help parents to get into a job that fits around their caring responsibilities, which is why we are doubling the amount of free childcare offered to working parents to 30 hours a week. Last year, we spent a record £5 billion supporting parents with the costs of childcare and the figure will rise to more than £6 billion by 2020.

Ronnie Cowan Portrait Ronnie Cowan (Inverclyde) (SNP)
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T6. Finland has become the first country in Europe to pay its unemployed citizens unconditional monthly sums with the aim of boosting employment and reducing poverty. When will the UK Government fund research into similar schemes such as a universal basic income?

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Callum McCaig Portrait Callum McCaig (Aberdeen South) (SNP)
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For many young people, staying in the family home is not an option, so housing benefit is a lifeline not a lifestyle choice. When will the Government finally clarify how their scheme will not see these people lose vital support?

Caroline Nokes Portrait Caroline Nokes
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The regulations regarding the removal of housing benefit from 18 to 21-year-olds have yet to be published. We will provide full details, particularly of the exemptions that will be involved, in March.

Tom Pursglove Portrait Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)
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I would like to say thank you to the scores of businesses in Corby and east Northamptonshire that provide important work experience opportunities for our young people. These introductions to the world of work are crucial, so will Ministers continue to make sure they remain at the forefront of cross-departmental discussions?