Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Esther McVey and Paul Masterton

Monday 2nd July 2018 Commons Chamber

[Paul Masterton (East Renfrewshire) (Con)]

1. What recent steps the Government has taken to protect the welfare of vulnerable universal credit claimants.

[The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Ms Esther McVey)]

Universal credit is a person-centred benefit focused on the needs of the individual. We are working continuously with a variety of stakeholders to ensure that we provide the right support for vulnerable claimants, and our work coaches undertake awareness training to identify claimants with complex needs.

[Paul Masterton]

During a recent visit with the Secretary of State to the Barrhead jobcentre in my constituency, one of the things we discussed with staff was the payment of advances as a single payment potentially to claimants who have difficulty managing budgets or who are struggling with addiction. Will she take into account those concerns when reviewing how the advance system is operating?

[Ms McVey]

I was delighted to visit my hon. Friend’s constituency and local jobcentre and to visit the Greenhouse Café, which he champions and which helps vulnerable people to get closer to the workplace. On the question that he and the work coaches raised about the advance, those advances could be given up to 100%, and with the personal relationship that the work coaches have, through this training they can assess what the right needs are. That is the right thing to do.

Private Sector Pensions

Debate between Esther McVey and Paul Masterton

Monday 22nd January 2018 Commons Chamber

[Ms McVey]

I am aware that that was debated with the Pensions Minister 10 days ago, and he is looking specifically at the points the hon. Gentleman raised then. The hon. Gentleman is fighting a good cause, and I am sure that we will be able to come up with a solution.

[Paul Masterton (East Renfrewshire) (Con)]

The best form of pension protection that anyone can have is a sustainable employer. While the Pensions Regulator has wide-ranging powers, they are rarely used and it is often a bit toothless. Is the Secretary of State satisfied that any new powers, welcome though they may be, will be backed by proper resources?

[Ms McVey]

When we bring forward new powers, it is vital that they are workable, that they have a strong, secure footing and that they are affordable. We are looking at that as we review how to introduce stronger legislation.