Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jo Swinson and Pamela Nash

Thursday 15th January 2015 Commons Chamber

[Jo Swinson]

It is not the Government’s intention to do so at the moment, but of course local authorities have plenty of discretion, powers and tools to tackle these issues. The hon. Lady rightly highlights that there are important issues of deprivation within local authorities and it is vital that they are tackled.

[Pamela Nash (Airdrie and Shotts) (Lab)]

8. What estimate she has made of the number of women in low-paid work.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Women and Equalities (Jo Swinson)]

According to the annual survey of hours and earnings, 24.6% of women were paid below two thirds of the median wage in 2014. Although that is still too high, we are making progress as the percentage of women in low-paid work is falling compared with 2010, when the rate was 25.9%.

[Pamela Nash]

I thank the Minister for that answer, but she will know, as we do, that according to the House of Commons Library women have lost six times as much financially as men under the policies of this Government. Does she think that is fair and what is she going to do about it?

[Jo Swinson]

I would be very interested to see the report, which I understand has been requested by the Opposition and has not been forthcoming. We have cut income tax for people on low pay, many of whom are women, and in particular, the majority of the 3 million people who have been taken out of paying income tax at all are women. The Government take these issues seriously to ensure that women and indeed men are protected in these difficult economic times.