Oral Answers to Questions

Patricia Gibson Excerpts

Monday 30th November 2020 Commons Chamber

[Patrick Grady (Glasgow North) (SNP)]

What assessment she has made of the implications for her Department’s policies of the spending review 2020.

[Patricia Gibson (North Ayrshire and Arran) (SNP)]

What assessment she has made of the implications for her Department’s policies of the spending review 2020.

[Allan Dorans (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (SNP)]

What assessment she has made of the implications for her Department’s policies of the spending review 2020.

--- Later in debate ---

[Dr Coffey]

I think it is the situation in Glasgow that a number of jobcentres were consolidated into one area. I am a great believer that, instead of necessarily investing money in bricks and mortar, we should invest in the people who will provide that support. In Scotland more broadly, we are aiming to hire over 800 new work coaches; 400 have already been recruited to date, and I know that some of those are in Glasgow.

[Patricia Gibson]

The Chancellor could have made the £20 uplift to universal credit permanent, but instead he has left households deeply concerned as they face the prospect of a cut to this vital lifeline in spring. We in the Scottish National party have pressed UK Ministers on this matter countless times. Will the Secretary of State tell the House whether she discussed extending the universal credit uplift with the Chancellor prior to the spending review, and whether she believes that this extension should have been included?

[Dr Coffey]

The hon. Lady will be aware that the temporary extension of the £20 universal credit uplift was made in line with the fiscal measures made earlier this year. With regard to the benefit uprating, I put that through as that is the normal process that we go through, but, as has been indicated, we will continue to look at this matter again in the new year.