Point of Order

John Bercow Excerpts

Monday 20th February 2017 Commons Chamber

[Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab)]

On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

[Mr Speaker]

I understand that the point of order flows directly from a question, so, exceptionally, I will take it if it is brief.

[Kate Green]

I am very grateful, Mr Speaker. I wish to follow up the answer that the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work gave me a few moments ago about the work-related activity component of the employment and support allowance. The Minister said that no one would be affected by the change before the summer, but the DWP website says—and, indeed, I think we always understood—that it will take effect in April. I wonder whether you, Mr Speaker, will invite the Minister to clarify or correct the record.

[The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work (Penny Mordaunt)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

It is not a matter for the Chair, but the Minister is literally itching to appear at the Dispatch Box.

[Penny Mordaunt]

I am happy to clarify the position. The policy change will happen in April, but it will not start to have an impact on people until later in the year because of the process that they will be going through. However, all the elements of the personalised support package, and all the other things that we are seeking to do to help with individuals’ liquidity, will be in place by April.