Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mel Stride and Harriett Baldwin

Monday 4th September 2023 Commons Chamber

[Mel Stride]

Given that there has never been a Labour Government who have left office with unemployment anything other than higher than they found it in the first place, I do not think I would leave employment to Labour. On the hon. Lady’s point, economic inactivity is important and it is a major focus for my Department. It has of course reduced substantially since its peak during the pandemic, having fallen by around 350,000.

[Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con)]

3. What steps his Department is taking to help claimants in receipt of means-tested benefits with increases in the cost of living.