Oral Answers to Questions

Catherine McKinnell Excerpts

Tuesday 6th March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) (Lab)]

7. What assessment he has made of the effect on families of the changes in eligibility rules for working tax credit to be introduced in April 2012.

[Mr David Crausby (Bolton North East) (Lab)]

13. What assessment he has made of the effect on families of the changes in eligibility rules for working tax credit to be introduced in April 2012.

--- Later in debate ---

[Miss Smith]

Any elected MP will regularly meet constituents in their constituency and discuss a range of matters. I certainly do that, and when I have met those affected in my constituency—whether as a constituency MP or, most recently, as a Minister—I have explained the fairness of this measure, which is that it puts couples on a par with lone parents. Where is the Opposition’s concern for single mums and dads, who have always had to face that challenge?

[Catherine McKinnell]

The Minister knows fine well that in today’s economy part-time workers will find it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to get the extra eight hours a week to keep their working tax credits. The lowest-income families will lose £3,870 a year, which would be crippling for any family, let alone the poorest. To accord with reality—something that the Minister should get back in touch with—what are this Government going to do about that?

[Miss Smith]

This Government’s main priority, as the hon. Lady knows very well, is to reduce the deficit left to us by her party, for which her party shows no responsibility whatever. She will also know that the cumulative average loss for households from our measures next year will in fact be £310.