Support for low-income homeowners is provided through the Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) loans scheme. SMI is available for homeowners who qualify for an income-related benefit and are unable to meet their mortgage repayments. The primary purpose of SMI is to enable people to stay in their homes without fear of repossession. SMI makes a contribution towards the eligible mortgage interest and so provides robust protection against repossession.<\/p>
<\/p>
From 3rd April 2023, we will extend the support SMI provides by allowing those on Universal Credit (UC) to apply for a loan after three months, instead of nine. We will also abolish the zero earnings rule to extend support to in-work UC claimants and allow existing SMI claimants to move into work and better support themselves.<\/p>
<\/p>
The interest rate we pay is based on the Bank of England published average and is designed to reflect changes in interest rates by changing when the average varies 0.5 percentage points or more from the rate in payment. The lending industry continue to accept that the rate of SMI we pay may not always reflect the rate of interest charged on the claimant\u2019s mortgage.<\/p>
<\/p>
In April, we are uprating benefit rates and State Pensions by 10.1%. In order to increase the number of households who can benefit from these uprating decisions, the benefit cap levels are also increasing by the same amount. To further support those who are in work, from 1 April 2023, the National Living Wage (NLW) will increase by 9.7% to £10.42 an hour for workers aged 23 and over - the largest ever cash increase for the NLW.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4513", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mims Davies"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Mid Sussex"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mims Davies"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-03-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "172440"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-03-29T11:51:21.03Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "29"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2023-03-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Mortgages: Government Assistance"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking taken to ensure that (a) Support for Mortgage Interest and (b) other support schemes started before the rise in the cost of living offer the same level of support to individuals as they did before that rise began.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4443", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Carol Monaghan"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Glasgow North West"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Carol Monaghan"} ], "uin" : "172438"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1606711", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1606711/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
DWP have taken steps to increase staff awareness of the mental health difficulties that may be experienced by our customers, so they can direct them to further support at any stage of the claimant journey. We have carried out a significant review of our mental health learning utilising experts and psychologists. The learning is mandatory for all customer contact colleagues to help better support claimants who may present with mental health issues. The learning supports our colleagues to explore their impact on customers, the steps needed to build relationships and how to respond appropriately to customers\u2019 needs.<\/p>
The Department has an extensive suite of products available to employees from a health, safety and wellbeing perspective. These are easy to find and access for everyone. DWP has an excellent Employee Assist Programme that offers support or counselling for individuals dealing with potentially suicidal customers alongside being fully supported by their line managers.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4513", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mims Davies"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Mid Sussex"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mims Davies"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-03-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-03-29T16:15:58.117Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "29"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2023-03-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Cost of Living: Suicide"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether he plans to increase the level of mental health support for civil servants who deal with people who are suicidal as result of the rise of the cost in living.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4443", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Carol Monaghan"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Glasgow North West"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Carol Monaghan"} ], "uin" : "172439"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1606712", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1606712/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Support for low-income homeowners is provided through the Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) loans scheme. SMI is available for homeowners who qualify for an income-related benefit and are unable to meet their mortgage repayments. The primary purpose of SMI is to enable people to stay in their homes without fear of repossession. SMI makes a contribution towards the eligible mortgage interest and so provides robust protection against repossession.<\/p>
<\/p>
From 3rd April 2023, we will extend the support SMI provides by allowing those on Universal Credit (UC) to apply for a loan after three months, instead of nine. We will also abolish the zero earnings rule to extend support to in-work UC claimants and allow existing SMI claimants to move into work and better support themselves.<\/p>
<\/p>
The interest rate we pay is based on the Bank of England published average and is designed to reflect changes in interest rates by changing when the average varies 0.5 percentage points or more from the rate in payment. The lending industry continue to accept that the rate of SMI we pay may not always reflect the rate of interest charged on the claimant\u2019s mortgage.<\/p>
<\/p>
In April, we are uprating benefit rates and State Pensions by 10.1%. In order to increase the number of households who can benefit from these uprating decisions, the benefit cap levels are also increasing by the same amount. To further support those who are in work, from 1 April 2023, the National Living Wage (NLW) will increase by 9.7% to £10.42 an hour for workers aged 23 and over - the largest ever cash increase for the NLW.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4513", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mims Davies"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Mid Sussex"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mims Davies"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-03-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "172438"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-03-29T11:51:20.967Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "29"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2023-03-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Cost of Living: Owner Occupation"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to ensure that homeowners remain in their homes despite the rise in the cost of living.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4443", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Carol Monaghan"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Glasgow North West"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Carol Monaghan"} ], "uin" : "172440"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1230598", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1230598/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Department has no plans to amend the qualifying period for Support for Mortgage Interest.<\/p>
<\/p>
Home owners struggling with mortgage repayments because of COVID-19 should contact their lender as soon as possible to discuss what support might be available.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4513", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mims Davies"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Mid Sussex"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mims Davies"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-09-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-09-07T16:44:25.553Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "29"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2020-09-02", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Support for Mortgage Interest: Coronavirus"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans her Department has to amend the 36 week eligibility requirement for Support for Mortgage Interest payments to support people struggling with mortgage payments due to the covid-19 outbreak.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4443", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Carol Monaghan"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Glasgow North West"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Carol Monaghan"} ], "uin" : "84286"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1125624", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1125624/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Government recognises the importance of sport and physical activity for disabled people who take part at both the grassroots and the elite level, as set out in the government\u2019s sport and physical activity strategy 'Sporting Future'.<\/p>
<\/p>
Special Olympics GB (SOGB) received a three year grant from Sport England, the government arm\u2019s length body for grassroots sport in England, totalling £204,363 for its core activities from October 2017 to September 2020. This grant is part of Sport England\u2019s £1.6m grant funding to National Disability Sports Organisations.<\/p>
<\/p>
SOGB was also granted £43,344 of Commercial Consultancy Support (2018/19) by Sport England. Through this support they are working with Sport Collective, a sports rights and marketing agency, to identify their brand assets and value, identify and target potential partners and develop their sponsorship material.<\/p>
<\/p>
In addition, Sport England also gave SOGB a further £152,000 of Exchequer investment in December 2018/January 2019. This was to help SOGB engage more volunteers and sponsors, to increase the numbers in their volunteer recruitment programme, and to deliver partnership competitions.<\/p>
<\/p>
Sport England will be meeting SOGB and other National Disability Sport Organisations later this year to discuss the potential and process for further investment post-October 2020.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4513", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mims Davies"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Eastleigh"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mims Davies"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-05-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-05-20T15:10:07.723Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "10"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-05-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Special Olympics"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to (a) support the Special Olympics and (b) ensure that Special Olympics GB receives adequate funding over the next five years.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4443", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Carol Monaghan"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Glasgow North West"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Carol Monaghan"} ], "uin" : "252604"} ], "itemsPerPage" : 10, "page" : 0, "startIndex" : 1, "totalResults" : 5, "type" : ["http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#ListEndpoint", "http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#Page"]} }