Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Martyn Day and Damian Green

Monday 20th February 2017 Commons Chamber

[Peter Grant (Glenrothes) (SNP)]

23. What assessment he has made of the effect of the benefit cap on households in Scotland.

[The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Damian Green)]

Work is the best route out of poverty, and the benefit cap has been successful in encouraging people into work. Since its introduction, almost 62% of households in Scotland have found work, reduced their housing benefit claim or no longer claim housing benefit at all after having their benefits capped.

[Martyn Day]

Does the Minister agree with paragraph 90 of the fiscal framework, which states:

“The Governments have also agreed that the UK government’s Benefit Cap will be adjusted to accommodate any additional benefit payments introduced by the Scottish Government.”?

[Damian Green]

Of course we agree with the fiscal framework—the Government drew it up, in conjunction with the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government already have extensive benefits powers if they wish to introduce them, but the fact that they do not is a matter for the hon. Gentleman to take up with his colleagues in that Government.