Oral Answers to Questions

Robert Halfon Excerpts
Monday 7th February 2022

(2 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Chloe Smith Portrait Chloe Smith
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I fear we have some serial misreading going on here. As the research shows, health and disability benefits, alongside other income streams, such as passporting and the Motability scheme, help to meet almost all identified areas of additional need.

Robert Halfon Portrait Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con)
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5. What recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Education on support for vulnerable children.

Thérèse Coffey Portrait The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Dr Thérèse Coffey)
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I met the Secretary of State for Education in January to discuss shared priorities on a wide variety of issues, including vulnerable children.

Robert Halfon Portrait Robert Halfon
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My right hon. Friend will be aware that our Education Committee is doing an inquiry into the educational outcomes and opportunities of children in care. We know that 41% of care leavers aged 19 to 21 are not in education, employment or training. I welcome the Government’s bursary scheme, but a care leaver over the age of 21 is eligible to receive the bursary for apprenticeships only if they are in education, employment or training. Will my right hon. Friend look into the policy and work with colleagues across Government to see what more can be done to support the 59% of care leavers not eligible for this support?

Thérèse Coffey Portrait Dr Coffey
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I welcome my right hon. Friend’s passion for this particular group of people looking to find work. This is really a matter for the Secretary of State for Education, but the information I have been provided is that all care leavers aged up to 25 who take up an apprenticeship are considered to be in education or training and therefore would be eligible for the bursary.