Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Will Quince and Amber Rudd

Monday 18th March 2019 Commons Chamber

[Will Quince (Colchester) (Con)]

21. What steps the Government are taking to support victims of domestic abuse through the welfare system.

[The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Amber Rudd)]

Domestic abuse is a devastating crime and my Department will always do what it can to support victims of domestic abuse. Departmental training and awareness is now better than ever, but I can confirm that, by the summer of this year, we will ensure that we have domestic abuse specialists in every jobcentre to help everybody who needs it.

[Will Quince]

What steps are the Government taking to increase the provision and quality of supported housing for such vulnerable people?

[Amber Rudd]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this issue. Of course, supported housing is essential for vulnerable groups, including those fleeing domestic abuse, which is why we announced in August last year that we will maintain funding for all supported housing and housing benefit. I am going to work closely with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Chancellor and local authorities to ensure that quality and value for money are always available in supported housing provision for domestic abuse victims.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Will Quince and Amber Rudd

Monday 11th February 2019 Commons Chamber

[Amber Rudd]

I share the hon. Lady’s indignation. We have apologised to Mr Smith and his ESA payment has been repaid and reinstated in full. I will take a personal interest in ensuring that, where errors were made, they are corrected.

[Will Quince (Colchester) (Con)]

Under our benefits system, serious or terminally ill students have to abandon their courses to claim benefits. It is wrong for us to be telling students to give up on the hope of getting better and to abandon their courses just to claim benefits. We have to put this right.

[Amber Rudd]

I thank my hon. Friend for his campaign. I share his view that we need to take action. We are developing policy and I will make sure that he is the first to know what action we do take.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Will Quince and Amber Rudd

Monday 23rd January 2017 Commons Chamber

[Amber Rudd]

There is no penalising of people such as the lady the hon. Lady referred to. We continue to value the important contribution that EU nationals make to this country, and I urge the hon. Lady to follow the advice I previously set out, which is to reassure constituents such as the one she referred to that, in fact, we are doing our best to ensure that their future will be secure, and the Prime Minister says it will be an early priority to do so.

[Will Quince (Colchester) (Con)]

2. What steps she is taking to ensure that police funding is fairly distributed.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Will Quince and Amber Rudd

Thursday 12th May 2016 Commons Chamber

[Will Quince (Colchester) (Con)]

5. What steps her Department is taking to reduce energy bills for businesses and households.

[The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (Amber Rudd)]

The best way to deliver on energy bills for businesses and households is to have a robust and competitive energy market. In 2010, the big six controlled 99% of the domestic retail market, but this year consumers can choose from more than 30 independent suppliers, who, between them, control more than 15% of the dual fuel market. Competition is improving, but we cannot be complacent, which is why I look forward to the final report of the Competition and Markets Authority and why I will continue to encourage consumers to switch.

[Will Quince]

I agree with the Secretary of State on that and thank her for that answer. The best way for consumers to get a good deal on their energy bills is to consider switching. Will she confirm that the Government remain committed to driving down the time it takes for consumers to switch?

[Amber Rudd]

My hon. Friend makes a good point. Consumers are sometimes put off from switching not only by the complications that they perceive, but by the length of time it can take. We are working with Ofgem and are confident that it will reach reliable next-day switching by 2018.