Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Desmond Swayne and Will Quince

Monday 30th November 2020 Commons Chamber

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

Is there any evidence that the financial effects of coronavirus have been less severe on the recipients of legacy benefits than those on universal credit?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Will Quince)]

First, let me say that I appreciate that many people are facing financial disruption due to the pandemic, and the Government have put an unprecedented package of support in place. The universal credit uplift was designed to be targeted at those facing the most financial disruption, but most working-age legacy benefits will be increased in April next year in line with inflation, and legacy benefits recipients could benefit from the local housing allowance or, indeed, the local welfare assistance schemes. I remind the House that claimants on legacy benefits can make a claim to universal credit if they believe they would be better off, but I would encourage them to check their eligibility as their legacy benefit entitlement will cease on application.

Universal Credit: Delayed Roll-Out

Debate between Desmond Swayne and Will Quince

Tuesday 4th February 2020 Commons Chamber

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

No one should agree an embargo with the BBC and expect it to be kept, should they?

[Will Quince]

It is probably best that I do not comment on this. We had intended to come to this House this week to announce this. Unfortunately, we got this done yesterday via a letter to the Work and Pensions Committee Chair and indeed a “Dear colleague” letter to myself, and I am here today to answer Members’ questions, which I hope has been valuable.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Desmond Swayne and Will Quince

Monday 13th May 2019 Commons Chamber

[Will Quince]

That is why, in recent Budgets, we have put an additional £1.7 billion into the universal credit system.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

5. What steps she is taking to increase employment opportunities for care leavers.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Will Quince)]

This Government have introduced a £1,000 bursary for those starting an apprenticeship, the care leaver covenant and extended paid internship opportunities across the Government. I will build on the good work of my predecessor and meet employers to see how we can further improve job opportunities for care leavers.

[Sir Desmond Swayne]

Of what does the Minister’s work with Barnardo’s consist?

[Will Quince]

I thank my right hon. Friend for that question. He is a passionate campaigner and supporter of Barnardo’s. The Department and Barnardo’s are developing a small work experience pilot for care leavers in a number of Barnardo’s high street shops. More broadly, the Government aim to use the care leaver covenant to secure 1,000 employment opportunities by September 2021.