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1727992
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2024-09-09more like thismore than 2024-09-09
answering body
Department for Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept id 29 more like this
answering dept short name Work and Pensions remove filter
answering dept sort name Work and Pensions more like this
hansard heading Employment more like this
house id 2 more like this
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of Britain’s labour market, particularly in relation to (1) the decrease in job placements, and (2) the decline in pay growth. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Taylor of Warwick more like this
uin HL916 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2024-09-18more like thismore than 2024-09-18
answer text <p>Job placements, as measured by employment, are currently at 33.2m. These have increased by 265,000 on the quarter and 150,000 on the year. The employment rate remains lower than it was immediately pre-COVID by 1.4 percentage points. This has been driven almost entirely by increased economic inactivity, including long term sickness which is at a near-record high.</p><p> </p><p>Regular pay growth (excluding bonuses) is currently at 5.1% on the year without accounting for inflation. This rate of pay growth has slowed since June 2023 when it reached 7.9%. Regular pay growth after inflation is currently at 2.2% on the year, following falls in real pay in 2022 and 2023 due to high inflation. Regular earnings after inflation are currently only 3% or £15 a week higher in the latest three months than the start of 2008, 16 years ago.</p> more like this
answering member printed Baroness Sherlock more like this
question first answered
less than 2024-09-18T12:53:25.877Zmore like thismore than 2024-09-18T12:53:25.877Z
answering member
4147
label Biography information for Baroness Sherlock more like this
tabling member
1796
label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick more like this
1726616
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2024-09-02more like thismore than 2024-09-02
answering body
Department for Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept id 29 more like this
answering dept short name Work and Pensions remove filter
answering dept sort name Work and Pensions more like this
hansard heading Pensioners: Cost of Living more like this
house id 2 more like this
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure the wellbeing of pensioners this winter, particularly in the light of (1) the forecasted rise of household bills, and (2) the removal of the Winter Fuel Allowance. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Taylor of Warwick more like this
uin HL698 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2024-09-16more like thismore than 2024-09-16
answer text <p>Over the next five years we expect over 12 million pensioners are likely to see their State Pensions increase by thousands of pounds as a result of our commitment to the Triple Lock.</p><p> </p><p>Additionally, the Government will invest an extra £6.6 billion over this Parliament in clean heat and energy efficiency through the Warm Homes Plan, upgrading five million homes through solutions like low carbon heating and improved insulation to reduce emissions and cut bills.</p><p> </p><p>The Household Support Fund is also being extended for a further six months, from 1 October 2024 until 31 March 2025.   An additional £421 million will be provided to enable the extension of the HSF in England, plus funding for the Devolved Governments through the Barnett formula to be spent at their discretion, as usual.</p><p>The Warm Home Discount scheme in England and Wales provides eligible low-income households across Great Britain with a £150 rebate on their electricity bill. This winter, we expect over three million households, including over one million pensioners, to benefit under the scheme.</p><p>We know there are low-income pensioners who aren’t claiming Pension Credit, and we urge those people to apply. This will passport them to receive Winter Fuel Payment alongside other benefits – hundreds of pounds that could really help them. We will ensure that the poorest pensioners get the support they need.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>Over the past two years, energy bills have fallen. Between 1 October to 31 December 2024 Ofgem’s energy price cap is set at £1717 per year for a typical household. This means the price cap for October to December 2024 will be more than 5% lower (£117 less) than for October to December 2023.</p>
answering member printed Baroness Sherlock more like this
question first answered
less than 2024-09-16T15:50:55.733Zmore like thismore than 2024-09-16T15:50:55.733Z
answering member
4147
label Biography information for Baroness Sherlock more like this
tabling member
1796
label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick more like this
1722408
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2024-07-22more like thismore than 2024-07-22
answering body
Department for Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept id 29 more like this
answering dept short name Work and Pensions remove filter
answering dept sort name Work and Pensions more like this
hansard heading Workplace Pensions more like this
house id 2 more like this
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support workers to better understand their pension options. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Taylor of Warwick more like this
uin HL240 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2024-08-05more like thismore than 2024-08-05
answer text <p>The Government recognises that people face important decisions about how to use their pension savings and ensures everyone has access to free, impartial pension guidance through the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS). MaPS’ MoneyHelper brand provides support on all areas of UK pensions to the public regardless of age. The service offers a range of pension guidance through articles and support from pension specialists, via written enquiries, webchat and a telephone helpline.</p><p> </p><p>The Department for Work and Pension’s digital Midlife MOT is a review for workers in their 40s, 50s and 60s that helps them take stock of their finances, skills and health, enabling them to get access to the best possible guidance. This includes helping people to understand planning for later life, including their workplace pension and State Pension options.</p><p> </p><p>MaPS also offers more targeted support as people progress towards retirement. Pension Wise, a service delivered through MoneyHelper, can help anyone over 50 understand their options for accessing their Defined Contribution pension pots. After entering retirement, ongoing guidance is available through the MoneyHelper website, webchat and telephone helpline.</p><p> </p><p>Pension schemes also have a responsibility under the Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) Regulations 2013 to provide information on the options available to members when they decide to access their pensions.</p><p> </p><p>Furthermore, the Government signalled its intent, through the Pension Schemes Bill announced in the King’s Speech, to place duties on all trustees of occupational pension schemes to tailor the retirement products they offer in order to support people when accessing their pensions. This will ensure pots are accessed in the right way to support people in retirement and keep money invested for longer.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p>
answering member printed Baroness Sherlock more like this
question first answered
less than 2024-08-05T10:27:46.687Zmore like thismore than 2024-08-05T10:27:46.687Z
answering member
4147
label Biography information for Baroness Sherlock more like this
tabling member
1796
label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick more like this
1702004
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2024-04-17more like thismore than 2024-04-17
answering body
Department for Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept id 29 more like this
answering dept short name Work and Pensions remove filter
answering dept sort name Work and Pensions more like this
hansard heading Unemployment more like this
house id 2 more like this
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the rise in (1) unemployment, and (2) economic inactivity, highlighted in the Office for National Statistics data, published on 16 April; and what steps they are taking to support individuals transitioning back into employment. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Taylor of Warwick more like this
uin HL3919 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2024-05-01more like thismore than 2024-05-01
answer text <p>The Department monitors a wide range of indicators to understand trends in employment, unemployment and inactivity. This is in line with advice from the ONS who say “we would advise caution when interpreting short-term changes in headline rates and recommend using them as part of our suite of labour market indicators” given the recent volatility in Labour Force Survey (LFS) estimates.</p><p> </p><p>DWP supports people across the country to move into and progress in work and is committed to reducing economic inactivity. The Department delivers comprehensive employment support including through face-to-face time with Work Coaches in our Jobcentres and via more intensive contracted employment programmes. Last year we also announced a wide range of additional support via the Spring Budget and the Back to Work Plan including extending and expanding our Restart scheme, announcing our new WorkWell service and expanding Additional Jobcentre Support.</p><p><strong> </strong></p> more like this
answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
question first answered
less than 2024-05-01T13:12:58.257Zmore like thismore than 2024-05-01T13:12:58.257Z
answering member
4169
label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
tabling member
1796
label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick more like this
1698299
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2024-03-25more like thismore than 2024-03-25
answering body
Department for Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept id 29 more like this
answering dept short name Work and Pensions remove filter
answering dept sort name Work and Pensions more like this
hansard heading Poverty: Children more like this
house id 2 more like this
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask His Majesty's Government, following the release of data showing that the number of children living in absolute poverty has risen by the highest rate in 30 years, what steps they are taking to address the increase in child poverty rates. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Taylor of Warwick more like this
uin HL3603 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2024-04-08more like thismore than 2024-04-08
answer text <p>These statistics cover 2022/23, a year when war in Ukraine and global supply chain challenges led to unexpected and high rates on inflation, averaging 10% over the year. These factors are reflected in the statistics. In response to these pressures, the Government provided an unprecedented cost of living support package which helped to shield households from the impact of inflation. Analysis shows that the Government’s cost of living support prevented 1.3 million people from falling into absolute poverty after housing costs in 2022/23. That includes 300,000 children, 600,000 working-age adults and 400,000 pensioners.</p><p> </p><p>Since the period covered by these statistics, the Government has taken firm action to support families on the lowest incomes. The Government has spent around £276bn through the welfare system in 2023/24, including around £125bn on people of working age and children. We took action to support those on the lowest incomes by uprating benefits and State Pensions by 10.1% from April 2023. We are continuing to support people in 2024/25 by uprating working age benefits by 6.7% and raising the Local Housing Allowance rates to the 30<sup>th</sup> percentile of local market rents, benefiting 1.6 million low-income households.</p><p> </p><p>With over 900,000 vacancies across the UK, our focus remains firmly on supporting parents to move into and progress in work, an approach which is based on clear evidence about the importance of parental employment - particularly where it is full-time - in substantially reducing the risk of child poverty. The latest statistics show that in 2022/23, children living in workless households were over 6 times more likely to be in absolute poverty (after housing costs) than those where all adults work.</p>
answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
question first answered
less than 2024-04-08T15:00:05.67Zmore like thismore than 2024-04-08T15:00:05.67Z
answering member
4169
label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
tabling member
1796
label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick more like this
1685217
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2024-01-25more like thismore than 2024-01-25
answering body
Department for Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept id 29 more like this
answering dept short name Work and Pensions remove filter
answering dept sort name Work and Pensions more like this
hansard heading Employment: Poverty more like this
house id 2 more like this
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to (1) tackle in-work poverty, and (2) create more job opportunities across the UK. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Taylor of Warwick more like this
uin HL1947 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2024-02-07more like thismore than 2024-02-07
answer text <p>The Government believes that work is the best way to boost living standards and reduce poverty. Jobcentres across Great Britain provide personalised interventions to support those both in and out of work, including helping low-paid earners to increase their earnings.</p><p> </p><p>We are also making work pay. On 1 April 2024, the Government will increase the National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 21 years and over by 9.8% to £11.44 per hour, representing an increase of over £1,800 to the gross annual earnings of a full-time worker on the NLW.</p><p> </p><p>Ensuring a strong economy with a diverse and vibrant jobs market allows everyone to use their talents to the full.</p> more like this
answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
question first answered
less than 2024-02-07T16:04:39.62Zmore like thismore than 2024-02-07T16:04:39.62Z
answering member
4169
label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
tabling member
1796
label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick more like this
1672791
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2023-11-23more like thismore than 2023-11-23
answering body
Department for Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept id 29 more like this
answering dept short name Work and Pensions remove filter
answering dept sort name Work and Pensions more like this
hansard heading Social Security Benefits: Chronic Illnesses and Disability more like this
house id 2 more like this
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Autumn Statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 22 November where he stated that if jobseekers "choose not to engage with the work search process for six months, we will close their case and stop their benefits" (HC Deb col 336), what steps they are taking to support individuals with health conditions and disabilities in finding employment. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Taylor of Warwick more like this
uin HL577 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2023-12-06more like thismore than 2023-12-06
answer text <p>We are investing £2.5 billion over the next five years in our ‘Back to Work Plan’; this builds on the Government's existing package of support to create a more inclusive and productive labour market that helps disabled people, and people with health conditions, to start, stay and succeed in work. This support includes: a new WorkWell service to join up employment and health support at a local level, reforming the Fit Note process, delivering the Universal Support employment programme, improving the quality of occupational health for employers, and expanding access to mental health services.</p><p> </p><p>As part of the Autumn Statement, we also announced the intention to close the claim of those who have been disengaged for 6-months or more, where they are in receipt of a nil Universal Credit award following a sanction decision. We will not be closing the claims of anyone who is in receipt of other Universal Credit elements, such as the disability, child, or housing element. The conditionality and sanctions regime also does not apply to those in the No Work Related Requirements, such as those with a severe health condition or disability.</p><p> </p><p>For claimants who must meet certain work-related requirements to receive their Universal Credit payment, these requirements will be based on individual and household information and will take account of health, caring responsibilities, ongoing work or volunteering, and any earnings. Furthermore, all requirements are set in discussion with the claimant and tailored to their capability and circumstances, making them realistic and achievable.</p><p> </p>
answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-12-06T15:36:17.76Zmore like thismore than 2023-12-06T15:36:17.76Z
answering member
4169
label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
tabling member
1796
label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick more like this
1672067
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2023-11-21more like thismore than 2023-11-21
answering body
Department for Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept id 29 more like this
answering dept short name Work and Pensions remove filter
answering dept sort name Work and Pensions more like this
hansard heading Food Poverty: Government Assistance more like this
house id 2 more like this
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask His Majesty's Government, following the rise in demand for food banks, what steps they are taking to support families experiencing food poverty. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Taylor of Warwick more like this
uin HL494 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2023-12-01more like thismore than 2023-12-01
answer text <p>Government recognises that understanding food security is important and this is why we added internationally used food security questions to the Family Resources Survey in 2019/20 and added further questions on foodbank use in 2021/22. These statistics help our understanding of the characteristics of people most in need and, alongside the broad suite of poverty data, help to shape future policy considerations.</p><p> </p><p>We are committed to reducing poverty and supporting low-income families. We will spend around £276bn through the welfare system in Great Britain in 2023/24 including around £124bn on people of working age and children.</p><p> </p><p>From April 2023, we uprated benefit rates and State Pensions by 10.1% and, subject to Parliamentary approval, working-age benefits will rise by 6.7% from April 2024, in line with inflation.</p><p> </p><p>With almost one million job vacancies across the UK, our focus remains firmly on supporting people, including parents, to move into and progress in work. This approach is based on clear evidence about the importance of employment - particularly where it is full-time - in substantially reducing the risks of poverty. The latest statistics show that in 2021/22 children living in workless households were 5 times more likely to be in absolute poverty, after housing costs, than those where all adults work.</p><p> </p><p>To help people into work, our core Jobcentre offer provides a range of options, including face-to-face time with work coaches and interview assistance. In addition, there is specific support targeted towards young people, people aged 50 plus and job seekers with disabilities or health issues.</p><p> </p><p>To help people progress in work, our voluntary in-work progression offer, rolled-out from April 2022, is now available in all Jobcentres across Great Britain. We estimate that around 1.2m low-paid benefit claimants will be eligible for support to progress into higher-paid work.</p><p> </p><p>To support parents into work, on 28 June 2023, the maximum monthly amounts that a parent can be reimbursed for their childcare increased by 47%, from £646.35 for one child and £1,108.04 for two or more children to £950.92 and £1,630.15 respectively. Importantly, we can now also provide even more help with upfront childcare costs when parents move into work or increase their hours.</p><p> </p><p>We are also committed to ending low hourly pay for those on the National Living Wage (NLW) in the UK. From 1 April 2023, the National Living Wage increased by 9.7% to £10.42 an hour for workers aged 23 and over. Further to this, on 1 April 2024, we will increase the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 years and over by 9.8% to £11.44 representing an increase of over £1,800 to the gross annual earnings of a full-time worker on the NLW.</p><p> </p><p>This Government understands the pressures people are facing with the cost of living which is why we are providing total support of £104bn over 2022-2025 to help households and individuals. Included within this, to support low-income households with increasing rent costs, the government will raise Local Housing Allowance rates to the 30th percentile of local market rents in April 2024. This will benefit 1.6 million low-income households, who will be around £800 a year better off on average in 2024-25.</p>
answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-12-01T15:00:55.227Zmore like thismore than 2023-12-01T15:00:55.227Z
answering member
4169
label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
tabling member
1796
label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick more like this
1666299
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2023-10-19more like thismore than 2023-10-19
answering body
Department for Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept id 29 more like this
answering dept short name Work and Pensions remove filter
answering dept sort name Work and Pensions more like this
hansard heading Employment Services: Rural Areas more like this
house id 2 more like this
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the provision of employability services in rural areas. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Taylor of Warwick more like this
uin HL10701 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2023-10-26more like thismore than 2023-10-26
answer text <p>Jobcentre Plus employer and partnership leads work closely with local employers and providers to understand labour market needs and to ensure provision is available to address skills gaps, and that the delivery of local employment support services is tailored to the needs of communities, alongside our national support offer. For example, our successful Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAPs) combines work experience, job specific training and a guaranteed interview to support claimants into local vacancies.</p><p> </p><p>Every Jobcentre Plus district has a place-based plan that uses local knowledge, experience, and insight to shape the services and activities in the area, in collaboration with local employers and partners. This includes taking account of the needs of claimants living in rural communities to access employment support services and vacancies, such as any barriers around travel and how these might be overcome.</p> more like this
answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-10-26T10:08:25.433Zmore like thismore than 2023-10-26T10:08:25.433Z
answering member
4169
label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
tabling member
1796
label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick more like this
1664817
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2023-10-16more like thismore than 2023-10-16
answering body
Department for Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept id 29 more like this
answering dept short name Work and Pensions remove filter
answering dept sort name Work and Pensions more like this
hansard heading Social Security more like this
house id 2 more like this
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to rebuild the social security system. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Taylor of Warwick more like this
uin HL10590 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2023-10-26more like thismore than 2023-10-26
answer text <p>Universal Credit is a modern, flexible benefit which is replacing six benefits. The six benefits being replaced all have complex and inefficient systems based on aging, inflexible IT. Universal Credit uses a modern, digital system which stood up to the test of Covid-19 where it quickly ensured three million new claimants were protected from the financial impact of the pandemic.</p><p> </p><p>Universal Credit reduces the complexity of the working age benefits system and removes the distinction between in work and out-of-work support.</p><p> </p><p>Work incentives are improved by introducing a smoother, more transparent reduction of benefits at a consistent and predictable rate when people move into work and increase their earnings.</p><p> </p><p>In March we published <em>Transforming Support: The Health and Disability White Paper</em> which sets out our ambitious plans to transform the health and disability benefits system for the future so it focuses on what people can do rather than on what they cannot.</p>
answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-10-26T09:59:05.077Zmore like thismore than 2023-10-26T09:59:05.077Z
answering member
4169
label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
tabling member
1796
label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick more like this