2 Lewis Cocking debates involving the Department for Work and Pensions

Social Security Advisory Committee: Winter Fuel Payment

Lewis Cocking Excerpts
Tuesday 12th November 2024

(1 week, 2 days ago)

Commons Chamber
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Emma Reynolds Portrait Emma Reynolds
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We have run several campaigns, the latest of which was launched recently on radio and TV and in print media, to urge those who may be eligible to apply, and to urge their loved ones to encourage them and help them to apply. We have also asked officials to see how we can improve the form to make it easier, but more than 90% of claims are now made online. Pensioners can get help either from a loved one or from charities and local authorities, which are helping to ensure that they get the support that they deserve.

Lewis Cocking Portrait Lewis Cocking (Broxbourne) (Con)
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Some 16,600 pensioners in Broxbourne will lose their winter fuel payment. How is the Minister helping those who cannot do online applications for pension credit to make an application? Will she commit to continuing to write to all those who will lose their winter fuel payment until they sign up for pension credit?

Emma Reynolds Portrait Emma Reynolds
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We have written to all pensioners to tell them about the change in Government policy to ensure that those who are not in receipt of pension credit or other benefits know that they will not be getting the winter fuel payment this winter.

Oral Answers to Questions

Lewis Cocking Excerpts
Monday 11th November 2024

(1 week, 3 days ago)

Commons Chamber
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Stephen Timms Portrait Sir Stephen Timms
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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 Portrait Lewis Cocking (Broxbourne) (Con)
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8. What steps her Department is taking to increase the support available in jobcentres in Broxbourne constituency.

Alison McGovern Portrait The Minister for Employment (Alison McGovern)
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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 Portrait Lewis Cocking
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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 Portrait Alison McGovern
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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.