Benefits: Sanctions

Earl Howe Excerpts

Thursday 10th September 2015 Lords Chamber

[Noble Lords]

Bishop!

[The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Earl Howe) (Con)]

My Lords, I think it is the turn of the Bishops’ Benches, and then perhaps we can hear from the Benches opposite.

[The Lord Bishop of Peterborough]

My Lords, the Feeding Britain report showed that some people have been sanctioned for missing or being late for appointments when it is not their own fault. Is it not possible for the staff at Jobcentre Plus to be given some discretion in whether or not to apply sanctions? Along the same lines, is it fair that some people in rural communities have to spend £7 or more on bus fares to get to routine appointments when the likes of me, who can well afford bus fares, are entitled to a free bus pass?

--- Later in debate ---

[Noble Lords]

Lib Dems!

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, the Liberal Democrats have not had a turn in this Question. If we proceed quickly to the noble Baroness, Lady Thomas, we might then be able to have a question from the Labour Benches.

[Baroness Thomas of Winchester]

My Lords, would the Minister consider asking the Social Security Advisory Committee to conduct a review of sanctions policy on ESA claimants, as they did for JSA claimants with the Oakley review?