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Speech in Written Corrections - Wed 03 Dec 2025
Work and Pensions

"The Liberal Democrat spokesperson, the hon. Member for Torbay (Steve Darling), mentioned the challenges facing sectors including hospitality—I know that he has a particular interest in that sector, given the constituency he represents—and their inability to hire young people. I appreciate the challenges that he set out, but I hope …..."
Andrew Western - View Speech

View all Andrew Western (Lab - Stretford and Urmston) contributions to the debate on: Work and Pensions
Speech in Written Corrections - Wed 03 Dec 2025
Work and Pensions

"…I appreciate the challenges that he set out, but I hope that he will be pleased to hear that the new foundation apprenticeships have a particular focus on sectors like construction and apprenticeships in SMEs will be fully funded for eligible young people...."
Andrew Western - View Speech

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Speech in Westminster Hall - Wed 26 Nov 2025
Young People not in Education, Employment or Training

"It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Mr Dowd. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Amber Valley (Linsey Farnsworth) on securing this incredibly important debate.

Given the comments of the Opposition spokesperson, the hon. Member for Wyre Forest (Mark Garnier), it is important to remind Members …..."
Andrew Western - View Speech

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Speech in Westminster Hall - Tue 25 Nov 2025
Level 7 Apprenticeships

"I certainly agree that apprenticeships are an important route. The hon. Lady will be aware that there has been a significant shortage of town planners for some time, and I do not think it is reasonable to characterise these changes as the cause. I am not suggesting that that is …..."
Andrew Western - View Speech

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Speech in Westminster Hall - Tue 25 Nov 2025
Level 7 Apprenticeships

"It is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Sir Edward. I congratulate the hon. Member for Chippenham (Sarah Gibson) on securing this important debate and on her considered speech on a subject where she has considerable experience, as she set out. Before I respond, I should add …..."
Andrew Western - View Speech

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Speech in Westminster Hall - Tue 25 Nov 2025
Level 7 Apprenticeships

"If I suggested it was the NHS, I apologise, because that was not my intention. Established long-standing relationships, where an employer has invested, mean that level 7 apprenticeships may be a space to encourage conversations between employers and existing staff members, because they have proven their value.

I appreciate that …..."
Andrew Western - View Speech

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Speech in Written Statements - Thu 20 Nov 2025
Machinery of Government: Skills

"My noble Friend the Minister of State, Minister for Skills (Baroness Smith of Malvern) has made the following written statement.

I am making this statement to update the House on the transfer of the responsibility for apprenticeships; adult further education, skills, training and careers; and Skills England, from the Department …..."
Andrew Western - View Speech

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Written Question
Social Security Benefits: Domestic Abuse
Monday 29th April 2024

Asked by: Andrew Western (Labour - Stretford and Urmston)

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what proportion of claimants applying for the Domestic Violence Easement extend the initial unevidenced four week easement to (a) 13 and (b) 26 weeks.

Answered by Jo Churchill

The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Written Question
Pension Credit: Eligibility
Monday 22nd January 2024

Asked by: Andrew Western (Labour - Stretford and Urmston)

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to increase the number of eligible people claiming Pension Credit.

Answered by Paul Maynard

We continue to maximise opportunities to raise awareness of Pension Credit which provides vital financial support to households on a low income. Our Pension Credit Communications campaign, ongoing since April 2022, has included advertising on national TV, newspapers, broadcast radio, on social media and via internet search engines as well as on screens in Post Offices and GP surgeries. We have also used sponsored advertising on targeted websites that pensioners, their family, and friends are likely to visit.

Our latest campaign messaging highlighted that Pension Credit can be worth up to £3,900 on average and is a passport to a range of other help and benefits – including Cost of Living payments.

There is a strong indication that the campaign has had a positive impact and has resulted in an unprecedented number of Pension Credit applications. The number of claims received in the financial 2022-23 was more than 80% higher than over the same period the year before.

The latest available figures covering the three months to May 2023 show an increase in the Pension Credit caseload. More households were receiving Pension Credit in May 2023 than in May 2022 at the beginning of the campaign. The recent quarterly increases in the caseload in August, November 2022 and now May 2023 – the first increases since 2009 - are very welcome and significant.

Written Question
Household Support Fund: Pensioners
Friday 19th January 2024

Asked by: Andrew Western (Labour - Stretford and Urmston)

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of removing the Household Support Fund on low-income pensioner households.

Answered by Jo Churchill

The current Household Support Fund runs from April 2023 until the end of March 2024. The government continues to keep all its existing programmes under review in the usual way.