Oral Answers to Questions

Jessica Morden Excerpts

Tuesday 10th March 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

We are not afraid of anything. The Government have been more successful at prosecuting criminals involved in tax evasions, more successful at closing tax avoidance loopholes and more successful at getting money in. That is a record we can be proud of.

[Jessica Morden (Newport East) (Lab)]

2. What proportion of recipients of tax credits are in employment.

[The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Andrea Leadsom)]

In total, 4.5 million households are in receipt of tax credits, and 71% of them are in employment. The Government believe it is right to provide additional support to those in need through the benefits system, but we have been clear throughout that we want to ensure that people are better off in work than on benefits.

[Jessica Morden]

Will the Minister confirm that the Government’s real-terms cuts to tax credits will not only hit more people in work but hit far more women than men?

[Andrea Leadsom]

I am sure the hon. Lady shares my delight at the great news that the gender pay gap is lower than it has ever been, that there are more women in work than ever before and that 1.85 million people are in work who were not in work at the time of the last general election. That is cause for celebration. The Government have strived at every point to support women into work, whether through entrepreneurial allowances, support for women with child care or other measures.