Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Craig Tracey and Nick Boles

Tuesday 15th March 2016 Commons Chamber

[The Minister for Skills (Nick Boles)]

I have had a number of meetings with various providers of social care. I do not entirely accept the hon. Lady’s assessment that the increase in council tax specifically to create extra funding for social care will not be able to address the higher costs resulting from the national living wage. I note that, in a week when we had a significant increase in the national minimum wage and a month before the national living wage comes in, the Opposition are attempting to say that these interventions will actually be damaging for the people they represent, rather than substantially boosting their incomes.

[Craig Tracey (North Warwickshire) (Con)]

T8. Like many in the House, I welcome the Chancellor’s moves to develop a northern powerhouse, but my constituents are also interested in the Secretary of State’s work to drive forward the midlands engine. Will he assure me that tomorrow’s Budget will contain welcome news for my constituents and people across the west midlands?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Craig Tracey and Nick Boles

Tuesday 15th December 2015 Commons Chamber

[Craig Tracey (North Warwickshire) (Con)]

4. What steps he is taking to improve standards in apprenticeships.

[The Minister for Skills (Nick Boles)]

We have given employers control over apprenticeship standards and require all apprenticeships to last at least 12 months and involve substantial off-the-job training. We will be setting up an independent, employer-led institute for apprenticeships to approve standards and assure quality in future.

[Craig Tracey]

I thank the Minister for that response, and I welcome the fact that there have been nearly 1,100 apprenticeship starts in north Warwickshire and Bedworth over the last 12 months. However, I know that local businesses are concerned that the focus might be on quantity rather than quality. What assurances can the Minister give to my constituents, especially those in highly skilled engineering, that that will not be the case?