Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Oliver Heald and Amber Rudd

Monday 11th February 2019 Commons Chamber

[Amber Rudd]

I would caution the hon. Gentleman about being so negative about an assessment that, yes, works for the vast majority of people. Only a certain number of the appeals get through and only 5% of the total number of assessments are overturned. I do not want people generally who are listening to and watching this exchange to think that the assessments are something to be fearful of. The people who conduct these assessments are sympathetic, thoughtful people who try to give the right answers. [Interruption.] Yes, they are. I urge the hon. Gentleman to let me know if he has a particular case or cases, because I or the relevant Minister will always talk to him and make sure that the outcome is settled.

[Sir Oliver Heald (North East Hertfordshire) (Con)]

7. What steps she is taking to celebrate the achievements of people with learning disabilities and autism in employment and outside of employment.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Oliver Heald and Amber Rudd

Monday 8th January 2018 Commons Chamber

[Amber Rudd]

I would not characterise the former Immigration Minister in that way—he has done an excellent job—and nor do I share the right hon. Gentleman’s characterisation of the Department. If he has particular concerns, I would urge him to bring them to us. The vast majority of our cases are dealt with within the time set out in statutory guidance.

[Sir Oliver Heald (North East Hertfordshire) (Con)]

T7. Will the Secretary of State or the Minister for Policing meet me to discuss what more may be done to provide protection for police dogs and police horses? Ministers will be aware of concerns arising from the experience of my constituent PC Dave Wardell and his police dog, Finn.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Oliver Heald and Amber Rudd

Thursday 7th January 2016 Commons Chamber

[Sir Oliver Heald (North East Hertfordshire) (Con)]

12. What steps the Government are taking to ensure that energy consumers are on the best-value tariffs.

[The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (Amber Rudd)]

The Government are making it quicker and easier for energy consumers to switch supplier and move to the best-value tariffs. We have delivered a national switching campaign and worked with industry to cut the time it takes to switch to 17 days, and we are now working with Ofgem to move to reliable next day switching. We are also working with industry to develop an energy-switching guarantee, which will be launched later this year.

[Sir Oliver Heald]

Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is particularly important for vulnerable customers to be able to find the best-value tariffs? Will she say a little more about what the Government are doing to spread that message and to ensure that such consumers get the best deals available? Does she agree that carers’ organisations and children’s centres, which support vulnerable younger families, may have a role to play?

Housing Benefit

Debate between Oliver Heald and Amber Rudd

Tuesday 9th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Amber Rudd]

I am interested to hear that London is affected. We will see the consequences, but at present I am receiving different answers and people are reaching different conclusions. It is not entirely clear how the private sector will respond, but one thing is entirely clear: we cannot continue with the cost as it is now.

[Mr Heald]

When the London councils gave evidence to the Select Committee, they said that 40% of landlords would cut their rents.

[Amber Rudd]

The 40% figure is totemic in this debate. As we know, 40% of private rented properties are used by the Department for Work and Pensions.