Oral Answers to Questions

Patrick Grady Excerpts
Monday 18th December 2017

(6 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Damian Hinds Portrait Damian Hinds
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I can confirm that we have been recruiting work coaches in every nation and region of the UK. We are seeking to do more to provide support with universal credit, and to ensure that what in-work support is needed is available.

Patrick Grady Portrait Patrick Grady (Glasgow North) (SNP)
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Two constituents came to my surgery on Friday, concerned that the switch of support for mortgage interest payments will force them into the private rented sector and on to housing benefit, and will therefore cost the taxpayer more money. Will the Government review that policy? Is it not more evidence of Tory austerity hitting the poorest the hardest?

Caroline Dinenage Portrait Caroline Dinenage
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The conversion of SMI from a benefit into a loan is intended to retain support for owner-occupier claimants in a more sustainable way, while increasing fairness for taxpayers, many of whom cannot afford to buy a home of their own.