Oral Answers to Questions

John Howell Excerpts

Monday 19th November 2018 Commons Chamber

[Amber Rudd]

I have seen the report by the rapporteur—I read it over the weekend—and I must say that I was disappointed, to say the least, by the extraordinary political nature of his language. We on the Conservative Benches will always engage with professionals, experts and non-governmental organisations—we are not so proud that we do not think we can learn as we try to adjust universal credit for the benefit of everybody—but that sort of language was wholly inappropriate and actually discredited a lot of what he was saying. We look forward to working with experts in the area to make sure that we get the right outcome for the people whom we want to look after.

[John Howell (Henley) (Con)]

4. What recent steps the Government have taken to support care leavers into employment.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Justin Tomlinson)]

This Government are committed to supporting care leavers. We have introduced a £1,000 bursary to those starting an apprenticeship, extended paid internship opportunities across Government, launched a care leaver covenant and are upskilling our Jobcentre Plus staff.

[John Howell]

What work is the Minister doing with Barnardo’s, and what impact is the See Potential programme having?

[Justin Tomlinson]

I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to my right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Ms McVey), who made it a personal priority of hers to introduce Barnardo’s not only to help train and improve the guidance for all of our frontline staff, but to offer a comprehensive work experience programme and opportunities for care leavers. This is a vital part of our See Potential work, as we unlock their undoubted potential.