Welfare Assistance Schemes

Debate between Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon and Lord Lawson of Blaby

Tuesday 10th February 2015 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

I am disappointed. Certainly, on this side of the House, we believe in localism, and this is about devolving responsibility to local authorities. On the issue of discretionary housing payments, £445 million of flexible housing funding between 2011 and 2015, and £125 million in 2015-16, has been made available so that local authorities can support vulnerable households through welfare reform.

[Lord Lawson of Blaby (Con)]

Does my noble friend the Minister not agree with me that the disparaging term “postcode lottery” is just a way of saying that local governments have autonomy and so there are therefore bound to be differences? Those who disparage postcode lotteries should come out in the open and say that they wish to see the abolition of local government.

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

It is always a pleasure to agree with my noble friend.