Oral Answers to Questions

Lewis Cocking Excerpts

Monday 11th November 2024 Commons Chamber

[Sir Stephen Timms]

As my hon. Friend will know, there have been some very troubling cases of carer’s allowance overpayment. I am not sure whether carer’s allowance is part of the overpayment he describes, but I will be very happy to meet him to discuss what has gone wrong in this case.

[Lewis Cocking (Broxbourne) (Con)]

8. What steps her Department is taking to increase the support available in jobcentres in Broxbourne constituency.

[The Minister for Employment (Alison McGovern)]

Jobcentres serving the Broxbourne constituency and elsewhere will change following the “Get Britain Working” White Paper, which has already been mentioned. This fundamental reform will have three parts: a new public employment service to get more people into work and to help them get on in work; a joined-up work, health and skills plan; and a guarantee for young people aged 18 to 21.

[Lewis Cocking]

The Budget has made it even harder for small businesses in my Broxbourne constituency to create jobs. What can the Minister do to make sure that jobcentres connect with local businesses to help those who are looking for work to find sustainable employment?

[Alison McGovern]

I thank the Minister for his question—[Interruption.] Honestly, I am still getting used to being on this side of the House.

The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right that jobcentres everywhere need to be locally responsive to employers, and that we need to provide an excellent service to local employers. If he has further thoughts on how we can make that work in his constituency, I would be very happy to discuss it with him.