Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Work and Pensions

Oral Answers to Questions

Mike Amesbury Excerpts
Monday 18th December 2023

(4 months, 3 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lindsay Hoyle Portrait Mr Speaker
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Order. I hate to say it, but I have a lot of people to get in.

Mike Amesbury Portrait Mike Amesbury (Weaver Vale) (Lab)
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In 2010 there were 117,000 16 to 24-year-olds on long-term sickness and health benefits. That figure now stands at a massive 235,000. Why is that, and what are the Government doing about those appalling figures?

Mel Stride Portrait Mel Stride
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The hon. Gentleman is right. There has been a marked increase in the prevalence of mental health conditions, particularly among those aged 16 to 24, which is why we are bringing in measures such as universal support and talking therapies within the national health service, for which 400,000 additional places were announced by the Chancellor at the autumn statement. We have introduced measures such as WorkWell, and others, to address exactly these issues.