Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lee Rowley and Justin Tomlinson

Monday 15th October 2018 Commons Chamber

[Lee Rowley (North East Derbyshire) (Con)]

10. What steps the Government are taking to ensure that the benefits system is able to meet the changing needs of claimants.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Justin Tomlinson)]

This Government are delivering the biggest changes to the welfare system since its inception, creating flexibility to adapt to changing working patterns and offering personalised support.

[Lee Rowley]

I thank the Minister for his response. An increasing number of people in my constituency are self-employed and setting up their own businesses. Will the Minister outline what universal credit is doing to support people who are setting up their own businesses?

[Justin Tomlinson]

I thank my hon. Friend, who is a real champion of the self-employed community, and I am proudly a former business owner myself. Universal credit is far more flexible to adapt to changing circumstances, particularly for those who are starting up on their career of owning their business.