Asked by: Lord Naseby (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to restricting the supply of Motability vehicles to good-quality second-hand vehicles only.
Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
Motability Foundation is independent of government and regulated by the Charity Commission so is wholly responsible for the terms and the administration of the Scheme.
The department does however work closely with Motability Foundation and is responsible for the disability benefits that provide a passport to the Motability scheme. We will continue to work with Motability Foundation to ensure the scheme provides value for money and meets the needs of disabled people.
Asked by: Lord Naseby (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask His Majesty's Government what action they are taking to ensure that all those considering leaving work permanently are subject to ‘work search’ requirements before they receive benefits.
Answered by Viscount Younger of Leckie - Shadow Minister (Work and Pensions)
The Welfare Reform Act 2012 and the Universal Credit regulations 2013/2015 determine the conditionality expectations that are relevant to individuals who are claiming Universal Credit.
For those who are expected to look for or prepare for work this will include up to 35 hours a week of work-related and work preparation activities, with an expectation that they take all reasonable actions to find work and move towards financial independence as quickly as possible. If they fail to comply and meet their agreed commitments without good reason a sanction may be applied.
If a claimant is found to have voluntarily left their employment without good reason, they will be sanctioned for a fixed period of at least 91 days.
Asked by: Lord Naseby (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect to restore sick note procedure to seven days rather than allowing workers to stay off work for 28 days without a sick note from their General Practitioner.
Answered by Baroness Stedman-Scott - Opposition Whip (Lords)
This measure ended on 26 January.
The government made changes to the self-certification rules for Statutory Sick Pay, so that for any sickness absences which began on or after 10 December 2021, up to and including 26 January 2022, employees were not required to provide medical evidence of sickness, such as a fit note, for the first 28 days of absence.
This was intended as a temporary measure to quickly maximise GP capacity to support the coronavirus booster campaign.
For new periods of illness starting from 26 January medical evidence can be requested from day 8 of a sickness absence.
Asked by: Lord Naseby (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask Her Majesty's Government how pensioners who do not have a bank account will receive their pension when the contract with the Post Office expires in 2021.
Answered by Baroness Stedman-Scott - Opposition Whip (Lords)
The Department’s contract with Post Office Limited for the Post Office Card Account is due to end November 2021. Plans are underway for a replacement service.
The replacement service will ensure that customers who remain unable to open or manage a standard bank account, are provided with a payment mechanism to receive their payment of pension or benefit from Department, over the counter, in their local area. Commercial arrangements are underway, to invite potential suppliers to tender for the contract, via competitive tender later this year.