Debates between David Rutley and Ben Spencer during the 2019 Parliament

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Rutley and Ben Spencer
Monday 8th November 2021

(2 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Rutley Portrait David Rutley
- Parliament Live - Hansard - -

It is always important to have a safety net, but it is also very important to make sure that we get people into the world of work, and that is what our focus is, as I have said repeatedly in my answers today. With 1.1 million vacancies and with a plan for jobs, that has to be our focus.

Ben Spencer Portrait Dr Ben Spencer (Runnymede and Weybridge) (Con)
- Parliament Live - Hansard - - - Excerpts

Does my hon. Friend agree that we must look at both money in and money out, and that the cost of living is causing pressures for worse-off families? Will he update the House on the work that the Department is doing in looking at the cost of living, particularly childcare and housing costs?

David Rutley Portrait David Rutley
- Parliament Live - Hansard - -

We have already provided a range of measures. Eighty-five per cent. of childcare costs are covered by universal credit, and extra support has been provided through the increase in the local housing allowance. So steps are being taken, but I understand my hon. Friend’s point about childcare. Clearly, we need to focus on it further, and we will.