Oral Answers to Questions

Christian Wakeford Excerpts

Monday 4th September 2023 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Christian Wakeford (Bury South) (Lab)]

1. What assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of its policies on reducing regional inequalities in employment.

[Kate Osborne (Jarrow) (Lab)]

2. What assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of its policies on reducing regional inequalities in employment.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mel Stride)]

It is good to be back, Mr Speaker. I trust that you had at least some rest during the recess. Let me also extend my welcome to the new Members who have just taken their seats.

The regional employment rate gap is 7.7 percentage points, which is 1.2 percentage points less than the gap in 2010 and a low figure by historical standards.

[Christian Wakeford]

As the Marmot review shows, there is a strong correlation between indices of deprivation and addiction. This issue affects all regions, but especially the poorer regions. What policies are in place across the regions to address the issue of addiction and to help more people remain in and enter employment, particularly in the north-west?

[Mel Stride]

The hon. Gentleman will be aware of universal support and the WorkWell pilots. In exactly the areas to which he has referred, they are bringing together healthcare and help with seeking work, which my party believes to be one of the best ways to remedy the issues he has mentioned, including mental health issues.