argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Social Welfare
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): As I said, we are reflecting on the Social Security Advisory Committee’s recommendations and will respond in due course. Of course, as we lay the regulations before Parliament, there will be opportunities for debate. The hon. Lady should be patient. We will publish the full plans for the next stage of the roll-out of universal credit, including managed migration, in due course.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Social Welfare
Michael Alex Burghart (Conservative, Centre-right): I strongly welcome the Minister’s commitment to continuing "test and learn" as part of the roll-out of universal credit, as it has delivered several substantial improvements to UC over the past year and a half. As part of that process, will he consider extending the repayment time for advances?
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Labor
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): I wager that I have been to rather more jobcentres than the hon. Gentleman, and I invariably hear from jobcentre staff that things are working well. However, where we can improve, we do, and staff can feed back about improvements. That is what the "test and learn" process is all about.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Social Welfare
Kevin John Foster (Conservative, Centre-right): Universal credit was rolled out in Torbay last month, and I have so far seen a reduction in casework from those who have experienced housing benefit delays, for example, and those who have received demands for overpaid tax credits. Will the Minister outline how he is monitoring the roll-out in Torbay and how he will ensure that it continues to be a success?
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Labor
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend is assiduous at talking to local jobcentres and acting on his constituents’ behalf. We, of course, have a process whereby jobcentres can feed back information on some of the key metrics, which we monitor regularly.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Social Welfare
Helen Olivia Bicknell Whately (Conservative, Centre-right): I welcome how universal credit is encouraging and enabling people to do more work, but will my hon. Friend assure me that those for whom work is a real challenge, such as single parents of pre-school children, will have sufficient income under universal credit?
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Social Welfare
Victoria Grace Ford (Conservative, Centre-right): On 5 December in my constituency, people on UC live—about 660 people—will transition to full-service UC. As claimants move to full-service UC, will the Minister confirm that they will see no change in their benefits? Will he also confirm that he will meet specialists, such as those from the charity Mind, to ensure that there is support for disabled people before full migration from legacy benefits?
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Social Welfare
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): As I said, I am in the process of meeting stakeholders, and I have indeed met Mind, as have other colleagues. We will of course ensure that we do everything that we can to take care of the vulnerable.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Labor
Huw William Merriman (Conservative, Centre-right): Will the Minister give all the work coaches a big pat on the back? They will be disappointed as they listen to this type of spectacle, but they work incredibly hard to turn people’s lives around.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Macroeconomics
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): I have no wish to be abrasive, and if I have been, I of course apologise. However, the appropriate time to talk about any financial measures is at the Budget, as I have said. Such matters are for the Chancellor and the Prime Minister, and there will be an opportunity in a couple of weeks’ time for Members to raise their points of view when the Chancellor comes to the House.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Labor
James Roger Cartlidge (Conservative, Centre-right): We hear today that Britain has just seen the strongest growth in wages for nine years. We should make real work pay through stronger real wages, not by going back to the bad old days of unsustainable growth in the benefits bill.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Labor
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend is right. Regular wages are up 3.1% this year, and I agree that we now have a system in place whereby work pays. The analysis that we have published shows that people get paid more under universal credit.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Labor
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): The roll-out in Reading, which I represent, took place prior to Christmas last year. There were no issues, and I very much hope that things will be the same in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency, but I am happy to have a discussion to ensure that he is talking to his jobcentre and that he gets the comfort he needs.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Social Welfare
Nigel Paul Huddleston (Conservative, Centre-right): There is strong support for the principles and intent of universal credit among not only Conservative Members, but my constituents. However, the Minister can be assured that if more money or further changes to universal credit are required, that will also receive the support of Conservative Members and my constituents.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Social Welfare
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): As I have said, we are taking a "test and learn" approach to universal credit. We make changes when we are required to do so, and I have talked about some of the changes that we have made. My hon. Friend mentions money, but as I have said, the proper time to have any such discussions is at the Budget, and such matters are ultimately for the Chancellor and the Prime Minister.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Labor
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): I apologise if I have not been to Scotland yet—I hope I will put that right in near time—but I have been going up and down the country to jobcentres, talking to people, and I have to say to the hon. Gentleman that universal credit is working.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Social Welfare
Robert John Blackman (Conservative, Centre-right): Universal credit replaces six complex benefits, some of which are mutually exclusive. My hon. Friend the Minister has confirmed that 700,000 people do not claim the benefits that they are entitled to. When universal credit applies to those people, how much on average will they gain?
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Social Welfare
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend is right: people have been underpaid benefits. On average, households will gain £285 a month. Under the previous system, 1.4 million people spent a decade trapped on benefits instead of being helped into work. That is changing under universal credit.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Social Welfare
Marcus Charles Jones (Conservative, Centre-right): The principles of universal credit are sound. Only a small number of people have come to my office to challenge it, and when there have been challenges, the Government have clearly listened. Will the Government continue to listen to issues raised by Members and look to refine the system to make sure that we get this absolutely right for people?
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Social Welfare
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): Universal credit is a new benefit that simplifies the system. Ultimately, this is about having a system that helps the most vulnerable, that is fair to the taxpayer, that is sustainable and, importantly, that helps people into work and to get better-paid work. That is precisely what we are doing through universal credit.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Macroeconomics
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): I am pleased that the hon. Gentleman outlines some of our positive changes, which prove that "test and learn" works. I am sorry to disappoint him once again, but those are matters for the Chancellor and the Prime Minister, and we will hear more about the Budget at the appropriate time.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Labor
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman is referring to the claimant count, but people both in and out of work receive universal credit. I encourage him to look at the universal credit business case that we produced, which shows that, as a result of the universal credit roll-out, another 200,000 people will be in work.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Social Welfare
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): We have put in support for individuals—I have talked about that. Of course, also very importantly, we now have this partnership with Citizens Advice, which is a respected, nationwide, independent organisation. It is there to help and assist the most vulnerable.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Social Welfare
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): Universal credit is a welfare system that is about being fair to the most vulnerable people and to taxpayers, and being sustainable. The reason for that policy is that taxpayers face similar choices. It is important to say that we have exemptions in place, which will include kinship carers.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Labor
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): I have said that under universal credit we have a system that is finally delivering for the most vulnerable and for taxpayers, that is sustainable and that—above all—is helping people into work. That means that people get into work faster, they stay in work longer and, really importantly, they earn more.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Social Welfare
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): We are of course talking to the key stakeholders, particularly those who deal with the most vulnerable people, and we want to ensure that we put in place processes to support them. We are thinking very deeply about this matter.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Social Welfare
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): As I have said, we have a system of universal credit that is about being fair to the most vulnerable and taxpayers and that is sustainable. The hon. Gentleman will know that changes made previously were voted on in the general election in 2015 and in this House in 2016. The key thing is to ensure that we are supporting the most vulnerable people. Under managed migration, we will give protections to those who are migrating across from legacy benefits; 1 million disabled households will gain and half a million people on severe disability premium will also be protected.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Social Welfare
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): People will get one-to-one support under universal credit. They have an opportunity to have a discussion with their work coach and develop that relationship, meaning that they can be signposted to the support that they need. It is working.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Labor
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): It is interesting that the hon. Gentleman talks about employment on the day that we have reached a record low level of unemployment since 1975. The policies of this Government are clearly working: 80% of first payments are made fully and on time; in some cases, that figure gets up to 90%. It is important that we get the right information from people to be able to verify their costs. If we are able to do that, payments are made.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Labor
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): I do visit jobcentres in different parts of the country. If the hon. Lady would like, we could have a discussion with the people in her jobcentre who are delivering this service; I am happy to arrange a call together with her.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Government Operations
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): There is a new burdens policy in place, and the DWP has paid out to local councils. I believe that the figure for 2017-18 was around £13 million. If the hon. Gentleman forwards me the correspondence, I would be happy to look at it.
Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Labor
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): We have reconfigured the jobcentre estate, as the hon. Gentleman knows. He will also know that part of the reason was that we were paying for 20% of space that we were not using. We now have a jobcentre estate that is fit for the 21st century.
Clinical Waste Incineration — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Environment
Rebecca Faye Clark (Pow) (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank the Minister for his clear words. I remember just how emotive the whole issue of incineration can be, because I was a news reporter at the time of the foot and mouth and BSE sagas, and it is something that worries the public. Can I have an assurance from the Minister that there is an industry-wide agreement that there is enough capacity everywhere to deal with incineration?
Clinical Waste Incineration — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Environment
Stephen Paul Barclay (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Gentleman is right to recognise that there is a significant impact in Scotland, given the services that HES supplies, and it is worth reminding the House that HES is still trading and clearing waste from a number of NHS sites. However, given that it has been subject to a series of actions by the Environment Agency and is subject to a criminal investigation, it is worth treating HES’s claims with a degree of caution The Environment Agency is of course an independent agency, so it is for the Environment Agency to look at how waste is being processed, and a strict legal framework applies to that. The specific concern about Slough has not been raised with me, but I am happy to take that away and write to the hon. Gentleman The Cabinet Office has been in active discussion with the NHS and the Department of Health and Social Care, as have Scottish officials, who have worked very constructively with officials in England. This has been seen as an issue that affects Scotland as well as England, and it is one on which officials have worked collaboratively.
Clinical Waste Incineration — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Labor
Stephen Paul Barclay (Conservative, Centre-right): The right hon. Lady raises an important point. I am happy to meet her to discuss these issues, given her constituency interest. I understand that she met members of staff on Friday. I very much urge HES employees who are listening to the debate to phone Mitie’s dedicated helpline and provide their details. The key issue is that Mitie has requested information from HES that it has not provided. To assess whether TUPE legally applies and the work patterns and issues of the staff involved, Mitie relies on HES providing information that, to date, has not been provided. The key issues in giving reassurance to staff are for them to contact the helpline and for HES to provide the information requested.
Clinical Waste Incineration — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Environment
Julian Carlton Knight (Conservative, Centre-right): I congratulate the Minister on the measured way in which he is dealing with this unpleasant situation. Can he confirm that the Environment Agency will suspend HES’s remaining permits if enforcement action does not return it to full compliance?
Clinical Waste Incineration — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Environment
Stephen Paul Barclay (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend will be aware that the Environment Agency is an independent body, so it will be for the Environment Agency to reach a decision on whether such a suspension should be raised. I can reassure the House that the issue is subject to great scrutiny at present and that the Environment Agency is looking at it very closely.
Clinical Waste Incineration — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Environment
Andrew Hanson Jones (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank my hon. Friend for the reassurance that there is enough capacity in the incineration system to deal with this issue, but will he confirm that the delays caused by Healthcare Environmental Services have not had an impact on the capacity for patients to receive the treatment that they need?
Clinical Waste Incineration — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Environment
Stephen Paul Barclay (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend is absolutely right. One of the key issues was to have alternative provision in place as quickly as possible so that we were not in the situation of waste being stored on site beyond the absolute minimum. It is a tribute to officials in the Department and in the NHS, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and elsewhere that a quite complex set of legal arrangements has been mobilised in such a short period to ensure that services are maintained.
Clinical Waste Incineration — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Environment
Marcus Charles Jones (Conservative, Centre-right): While the backlog is being cleared, will my hon. Friend confirm that any waste will be kept in a secure and safe fashion? Will he also be more exact about when he thinks the backlog of waste currently in the system will be cleared?
Clinical Waste Incineration — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Government Operations
Thomas Christopher John Pursglove (Conservative, Centre-right): Building on that point, will my hon. Friend ensure that there is an overarching review of local processes to make sure that failings of this sort by a contractor cannot happen again anywhere in the country?
Clinical Waste Incineration — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Government Operations
Stephen Paul Barclay (Conservative, Centre-right): I am very happy to give my hon. Friend that reassurance. It is important, where a supplier has got into such difficulties, that we learn the lessons and ensure that they are part of contract procurement moving forward.
Bullying and Harassment: Cox Report — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Government Operations
John Simon Bercow (Conservative, Centre-right): Before calling the hon. Member for Bassetlaw (John Mann) to ask his urgent question, I wish to make the following brief remarks. Having read with care the report by Dame Laura Cox and having also lived through the MPs’ expenses scandal, I am persuaded by at least two of her fundamental recommendations. Without seeking to pre-empt what the House might ultimately decide, I firmly believe that the only possible way to resolve this matter is the establishment of a body that is both entirely independent of and external to Parliament to hear and adjudicate on all allegations of bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct, including deciding how far to investigate past misconduct. Whether the allegations involve MPs or staff, the same entirely independent body should be in complete control of the process from start to finish. As I have said before in this Chamber and to the Leader of the House’s cross-party inquiry in my oral evidence last December, independence and transparency are the best guarantors of a process that will both be fair and command general confidence.
Bullying and Harassment: Cox Report — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Government Operations
Maria Frances Lewis Miller (Conservative, Centre-right): Dame Laura Cox says in her inquiry report that "many consider that there is still no genuine understanding that things need to change." She says that a shocking culture of fear and deference is driven right from the top of the House of Commons—behaviour that we simply would not tolerate elsewhere. The new grievance procedure is welcome, and my right hon. Friend is to be applauded for what she has done to put that in place, but it is not enough, and Dame Laura says that. She makes it clear that there is a need for a culture change, too, which directly requires a change in the management of the House of Commons As we have just heard, very senior management are the people who will decide what happens next as a result of the report. Will the Leader of the House explain how the brave staff who have spoken out can be reassured that action will be taken, because the House of Commons has a duty to lead by example—to be an exemplar employer. The report makes it clear that there needs to be a complete change in leadership at the most senior level, including you, Mr Speaker, as chief officer, if we are, in Dame Laura’s words, to "‘press the reset button’".
Bullying and Harassment: Cox Report — House of Commons, 2018-10-16
Topic: Government Operations
Andrea Jacqueline Leadsom (Conservative, Centre-right): My right hon. Friend cares a great deal about these issues. Again, she has been closely involved in the progress of the new complaints procedure and has had a hand in shaping its direction. She will know that all those involved in the working and steering groups across the political parties throughout the House worked tirelessly to reach an arrangement in which we would be in a position to change the culture of Parliament. She is exactly right to highlight the fact that that is what is needed. I am sure that the hon. Members for Walsall South (Valerie Vaz), for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas), and for Perth and North Perthshire (Pete Wishart), and all those involved in the working group will take the same view as I do that we have to change the culture of this place. It is absolutely vital that we do that. It is not going to happen overnight, and we have to continue to lean in and accept the recommendations in Dame Laura’s report and do everything that we can to ensure that this place mends its ways and becomes not just an exemplar but a role model for other Parliaments around the world so that they can learn from our experiences.