Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Elizabeth Truss and Vicky Foxcroft

Wednesday 13th January 2021 Commons Chamber

[Elizabeth Truss]

My hon. Friend the Minister for Equalities has already presented the clear evidence on the covid crisis. My point is that, rather than looking at equality through the prism of groups, we should be focusing on making sure that every individual in this country—regardless of their race, their background, their sexuality or their sex—has the opportunity to succeed. That is what the data project we are working on will look at.

[Vicky Foxcroft (Lewisham, Deptford) (Lab) [V]]

I have been contacted by a WASPI—Women Against State Pension Inequality Campaign—woman who is a carer for her severely disabled ex-partner. She stopped work in 2019 due to his escalating care needs and was awarded carer’s allowance. When she finally received her state pension after decades of paying into the system, she was shocked to find that she was no longer eligible for carer’s allowance. How can it be right that when they hit pension age, carers—72% of whom are women—are no longer eligible for support?

[Elizabeth Truss]

I will take up the hon. Lady’s point with the Department for Work and Pensions.