Social Security

Rosie Winterton Excerpts

Wednesday 31st January 2024 Commons Chamber

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Paul Maynard)]

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.]

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton)]

Order. May I ask those not participating in the debate to leave quietly? It is difficult to hear the Minister.

[Paul Maynard]

The Government’s commitment—

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

Order. Minister, I have just been asked to clarify that you are moving motion 3 on social security.

[Paul Maynard]

Yes, that is the one I am talking about.

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

Thank you for clarifying that.

[Paul Maynard]

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 (Glasgow East) (SNP)]

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.

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

We are debating motion 3 on social security. We will then debate motion 4 on pensions.

[David Linden]

Two debates or one debate?

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

Two separate debates.

[Paul Maynard]

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