Oral Answers to Questions

Philippa Whitford Excerpts

Monday 21st November 2016 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Newlands (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (SNP)]

8. What discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the potential effect of the autumn statement on his Department.

[Dr Philippa Whitford (Central Ayrshire) (SNP)]

12. What discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the potential effect of the autumn statement on his Department.

[Stuart Blair Donaldson (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) (SNP)]

16. What discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the potential effect of the autumn statement on his Department.

--- Later in debate ---

[Damian Green]

No, I do not agree. The hon. Gentleman will be aware of the tremendous successes we have achieved in getting people into work. We have employment at historic high rates. Very specifically, because of the introduction of the living wage, the latest Office for National Statistics data show that the group whose pay is going up the most—more than 6% last year—are the lowest-paid workers. I think that that is the system working exactly as it should.

[Dr Whitford]

The Institute for Fiscal Studies has shown that with the fall in the pound since the Brexit vote, prices are being pushed up by about 2.6%. This means that there could be a rise in inflation that would coincide with this Government’s benefit freeze, adding even more pressure on low-income families. Does not the Minister agree that in view of that situation, we should get rid of the benefit freeze in the autumn statement?

[Damian Green]

I am sure that we shall receive a list of bids from members of the Scottish National party. I repeat that it is not for me to pre-empt my right hon. Friend the Chancellor’s autumn statement but, as I said to the hon. Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire North (Gavin Newlands), the purpose of the various benefit changes—and, indeed, the whole benefits system—is to enable people to get into work so that they can not only earn more money, but take more control over their lives. In that respect, the system is working historically well. We have more people in work, more women in work, and fewer children growing up in workless households than ever before, and that is a huge achievement.