Social Security

Baroness Winterton of Doncaster Excerpts
Wednesday 31st January 2024

(9 months, 3 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Paul Maynard Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Paul Maynard)
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I beg to move,

That the draft Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2024, which was laid before this House on 15 January, be approved.

The draft order will increase relevant state pension rates by 8.5%, in line with the growth in average earnings in the year to July 2023. It will also increase most other benefit rates by 6.7%, in line with the rise in the consumer prices index in the year to September 2023. Subject to parliamentary approval, the changes will take effect from 8 April and will apply for the tax year 2024-25. [Interruption.]

Baroness Winterton of Doncaster Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton)
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Order. May I ask those not participating in the debate to leave quietly? It is difficult to hear the Minister.

Paul Maynard Portrait Paul Maynard
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The Government’s commitment—

Baroness Winterton of Doncaster Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker
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Order. Minister, I have just been asked to clarify that you are moving motion 3 on social security.

Paul Maynard Portrait Paul Maynard
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Yes, that is the one I am talking about.

Baroness Winterton of Doncaster Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker
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Thank you for clarifying that.

Paul Maynard Portrait Paul Maynard
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For the information of the House, this order covers state pensions. Motion 4 covers the guaranteed minimum pension, which is a sub-element of the pensions issue. As I will explain, the different elements—

David Linden Portrait David Linden (Glasgow East) (SNP)
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On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. Can I clarify whether we are taking motion 3 on social security and motion 4 in one debate, or will we scrutinise the orders separately? It would be helpful for the House to have clarity on exactly what is happening.

Baroness Winterton of Doncaster Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker
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We are debating motion 3 on social security. We will then debate motion 4 on pensions.

David Linden Portrait David Linden
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Two debates or one debate?

Baroness Winterton of Doncaster Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker
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Two separate debates.

Paul Maynard Portrait Paul Maynard
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Indeed, a few days ago I was asking those questions about whether to take the motions separately or together. They are being taken separately.