Oral Answers to Questions

Sheryll Murray Excerpts

Monday 27th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Damian Green]

Yes, quite; this has been happening for a long time. The idea that universal credit causes housing arrears is just nonsense.

Secondly, the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne Central (Chi Onwurah) will know that my Department is working on a pathfinder arrangement with Newcastle City Council precisely to address the problems that may be there now and have been there for many, many years.

[Mrs Sheryll Murray (South East Cornwall) (Con)]

T2. I warmly welcome the latest fall in unemployment, particularly the 52% reduction since 2010 in my constituency. Will the Minister please endorse the work of Motiv-8 South West, which supports young people into employment and training, and continue to do all that he can to help those who are still struggling to find employment?

[The Minister for Employment (Damian Hinds)]

I welcome the news from my hon. Friend’s constituency, which has seen such a strong fall in unemployment. I certainly acknowledge the key role played by third sector organisations. We continue to work with outside organisations and on programmes such as work experience, sector-based work academies, the new youth obligation and, of course, the roll-out of universal credit.