Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Shabana Mahmood and Thérèse Coffey

Monday 30th November 2020 Commons Chamber

[Dr Coffey]

The cap has been in an important part of policy in trying to stimulate entrance into work. I am conscious that there are still only about half a million vacancies, compared with a significant number of people unemployed. However, I am sure the hon. Lady will welcome, with me, some of the actions that are possible for some of the most disadvantaged families, particularly those supported by the £170 million covid winter grant, from which I understand her local council will benefit to the tune of about £823,000.

[Shabana Mahmood (Birmingham, Ladywood) (Lab)]

What recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the more than minimal test for determining housing benefit payments for supported exempt accommodation.

Kickstart Scheme

Debate between Shabana Mahmood and Thérèse Coffey

Thursday 3rd September 2020 Commons Chamber

[Shabana Mahmood (Birmingham, Ladywood) (Lab)]

Some 72% of the population in my constituency are from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. What reassurances can the Secretary of State give me that measures will be taken to ensure that young people from minority backgrounds have equality of access and opportunity under the scheme, and that the systemic inequality we all know exists in our employment market will not be allowed to be a feature of the scheme?

[Dr Coffey]

The hon. Lady is right to focus on the young people in her constituency and their challenges to employment. There is already a youth hub in Birmingham. We are learning from the employability coaches who are already in place. The West Midlands Combined Authority is very keen. The Mayor and the chief executive, Deborah Cadman, are very engaged in wanting to make this happen. My officials will be meeting the West Midlands Combined Authority again today.