Work & Pensions

Organise Manifesto: Post Spring Budget

Selaine’s response:

The Government is committed to ensuring that older people can live with the dignity and respect they deserve. Since 2010, more than 200,000 pensioners have been lifted out of absolute poverty, and the Government’s cost of living support has prevented 400,000 pensioners from falling into absolute poverty.

The Personal Allowance is currently set at a level high enough to ensure that pensioners whose sole income is the new State Pension or basic State Pension do not pay any Income Tax. Exempting the State Pension from taxation would add complexity to the tax system, and those paying higher rates of tax would receive the greatest benefit.

The Prime Minister has committed to maintaining the Triple Lock in full for 2025/26 and beyond, which means that the basic State Pension, new State Pension and Pension Credit standard minimum guarantee have been uprated in line with average earnings growth of 8.5 per cent from 8 April. This allows pensioners an extra £900 more in their pockets this year and is the same as the £900 workers will save from the National Insurance cuts at the last two fiscal events. In total, this makes the full yearly basic State Pension £3,700 more than in 2010.

There are currently no plans to reduce the State Pension age to 60. The Government is committed in legislation to undertake a review of the State Pension age every six years to consider a variety of factors including the latest life expectancy projections. The last review, published in March 2023, concluded that the planned pension age rises from 66 to 67 for those born after April 1960 remains appropriate.

Given rising life expectancy, it is right that we continue to keep the State Pension age under regular review to ensure the system remains sustainable for future generations.

More broadly, I welcome that the Local Housing Allowance, which benefits thousands of pensioners, has increased to the 30th percentile and Pension Credit has been uprated by 8.5 per cent, supporting pensioners on the lowest incomes further. In addition, I welcomed that last winter, the Government made nearly 12 million payments of up to £600 through Pensioner Cost of Living Payments and Winter Fuel Payments and am pleased that through the Government’s careful economic management, inflation has been reduced to 3.4 per cent.

May 2024

Workers Rights and Freedom of Speech

Selaine’s response:

The Government strongly supports free speech within the law. However, it is important to distinguish between strongly felt political debate on the one hand, and unacceptable acts of abuse, intimidation and violence on the other.

More broadly, the Government unequivocally supports Israel’s right to defend itself. However, it has also repeatedly stressed that Israel must take every precaution to minimise civilian casualties in line with international humanitarian law. The Government continues to press Israel to ensure its campaign is targeted against Hamas leaders, militants and military infrastructure.

The Government plays no role in individual companies and their day to day decisions regarding their staff.

November 2023

Benefits Uprating

Selaine’s response:

As set out in the Social Security Act 1992, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions is required to review the level of benefit payments annually. During this review, the Secretary of State is to consider whether benefit payments have retained their value in relation to the general level of prices. Although it would not be right to pre-empt the outcome of this review, an announcement will follow shortly.

However, I would like to assure you that the Government is already taking measures to protect the most vulnerable.

In April 2023, benefits rose in line with September 2022 Consumer Price Index inflation, 10.1%. As a result, more than 10 million working age families have seen their benefit payments rise by an average increase of around £600 a year.

Alongside this, at the Autumn Statement 2022, the Government announced a substantial support package for the most vulnerable. This included a £300 Cost of Living Payment for pensioners, a £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment and payments totalling £900 for those on means tested benefits.

Additionally in recognition that parental employment substantially reduces the risk of child poverty, the Government is taking action to help more people into work. The Spring Budget set out a significant, wide-ranging package of measures that represent an investment of £3.5 billion over five years to boost workforce participation.

To remove barriers to work, the Government is investing £289 million in a new wraparound childcare programme to provide more childcare before and after school during the term time. Alongside this, for eligible working parents of children aged nine months to three years, the Government will provide 30 hours a week of free childcare for 38 weeks of the year.

I hope this assures constituents that the Government is taking action to support the most vulnerable.

November 2023

Campaign response:

Firefighters’ Manifesto

Selaine’s response:

Let me start by saying that I greatly value the work firefighters do, often selflessly putting themselves in danger to keep us and our families safe. In May, I had the wonderful opportunity to catch up with firefighters from the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and hear about how much they do for our community in North Devon and beyond. I know that myself and the Government are grateful for the work fire and rescue services do in their communities.

Regarding investment, I understand that fire and rescue authorities are receiving around £2.6 billion in 2023-24. Standalone fire and rescue authorities are seeing an increase in core spending power of 8.1 per cent in cash terms compared to 2022-23. On firefighters’ pay, the National Joint Council is responsible for overseeing decisions on pay and terms and conditions. However, I note that the Government’s Fire Reform White Paper set out proposals to conduct an independent review of the current pay negotiation process and consider its suitability for a modern emergency service.

While I appreciate your concern, I do not believe it is necessary to introduce a statutory duty for firefighters to respond to flooding, given that fire and rescue authorities already have the power to respond to all kinds of emergencies for which they do not have a specific statutory duty, including flooding. The Government supports this by providing fire and rescue services with additional resources to tackle flooding such as high-volume pumps and water rescue assets.

While I appreciate that this may not be the exact response you were hoping for, I do hope that I have been able to provide you with some assurance.

November 2023

Financial hardship

Selaine’s response:

I believe that everyone should have security and dignity in their retirement, and I am confident that the Government has consistently acted to protect UK pensioners. As you raise a number of issues in your correspondence, I address them separately below.

Uprating of benefits and the State Pension for 2023/24

I strongly welcome that both the State Pension and benefits were increased by 10.1 per cent for 2023/24, in line with inflation. This means the biggest increase in the State Pension ever and an average uplift of around £600 for households receiving Universal Credit. Over 24,000 pensioners in North Devon received this automatic increase in April.

Uptake of Pension Credit

I support the Government's commitment to ensuring that everybody who is eligible claims the support to which they are entitled. I understand that the Government is always looking at ways to maximise the uptake of Pension Credit. Since November 2022, there are 2358 households receiving Pension Credit in North Devon and an estimated 1 million households in the UK missing out on Pension Credit.

The DWP has also developed the Pension Credit Toolkit, an online tool aimed at agencies and welfare rights organisations to help them encourage Pension Credit uptake. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pension-credit-toolkit

The Cost of Living

All households, including pensioner households, will benefit from the Government’s Energy Price Guarantee (EPG). This guarantee limits the amount you can be charged per unit of gas or electricity. The current price guarantee, set at £3,000, will support households between now and April 2024. Although energy prices are currently below the level at which EPG payments would be made, it will remain in force until the end of March 2024 to protect households from price spikes, putting in place a safety net for households up and down the country.

Furthermore, at the Autumn Statement 2022, the Government announced a substantial support package for the most vulnerable for 2023/24, including £300 Cost-of-Living Payments for pensioners, £150 for people on disability benefits, and £900 for people on means-tested benefits. The Government is also providing £1 billion of extra funding by extending the Household Support Fund to March 2024, bringing the total of the Fund to £2.5 billion.

I hope that this response reassures you that pensioners in the UK are being adequately supported and that the most vulnerable will continue to be protected during the difficult months ahead.

November 2023

Future of the Triple Lock

Selaine’s response:

I know that the Government is fully committed to ensuring that older people can live with the dignity and respect they deserve, and the State Pension is the foundation of state support for older people. The Triple Lock is Government policy and has been for a long time.

As happens each year, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions is required by law to undertake an annual review of benefits and the State Pension. The outcome of that review will be announced in the autumn, following the publication of the relevant indices by the Office for National Statistics in October, and the new rates will take effect from April 2024.

In April, the State Pension saw its biggest ever rise, increasing by 10.1%. The full yearly amount of the basic State Pension is over £3,050 higher, in cash terms, than in 2010. That’s £790 more than if it had been uprated by prices, and £945 more than if it had been uprated by earnings (since 2010).

The Government also provides additional support to older people, which includes the provision of free bus passes, free prescriptions, and Winter Fuel Payments, with Cold Weather Payments for those in receipt of Pension Credit.

October 2023

Cost of Living: Social Tariffs

Selaine’s response:

The Government is absolutely committed to protecting the most vulnerable, including pensioners and low income households.

On social tariffs in particular, the Government has committed to working with consumer groups and industry to consider the best approach to consumer protection in energy markets, including options such as social tariffs, as part of wider retail market reforms. In June 2022, following Government negotiations, a number of broadband and mobile operators agreed a set of public commitments to support their customers, including allowing those struggling with their bills to enter into affordable payment plans or switch to cheaper deals without penalty.

On energy bills, the Government is maintaining the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG). This guarantee limits the amount you can be charged per unit of gas or electricity. The current price guarantee, set at £3,000, will support households between now and April 2024. Although energy prices are currently below the level at which EPG payments would be made, it will remain in force until the end of March 2024 to protect households from price spikes, putting in place a safety net for households up and down the country.

In addition to the EPG, at the Autumn Statement 2022, the Government announced a substantial support package for the most vulnerable for 2023/24, including £300 Cost-of-Living Payments for pensioners, £150 for people on disability benefits, and £900 for people on means-tested benefits. The Government is also providing £1 billion of extra funding by extending the Household Support Fund to March 2024, bringing the total of the Fund to £2.5 billion.

Benefits were also increased by 10.1 per cent in April 2023, in line with inflation. This represents an average uplift of around £600 for households receiving Universal Credit.

October 2023

HMRC Fines

Selaine’s response:

The Government has recognised that taxpayers who occasionally miss the filing deadline should not face financial penalties, and has already announced reform of the system. However, deadlines for returns are necessary for the efficient functioning of the tax system, and HMRC strongly encourages anyone who does not need to file a return to tell HMRC.

The aim of HMRC is to support all taxpayers, regardless of income, to get their tax right, and details of what to do if a person no longer needs to file a return are included in reminder letters every year.

June 2023

Cost of Living

Selaine’s response:

As of April 2023, millions of workers are benefitting from record increases to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage (NLW). The NLW, which this Government introduced in 2016, rose by 9.7 per cent to £10.42 an hour. These increases follow recommendations made to the Government by the independent Low Pay Commission in autumn 2022.

Moreover, I strongly welcome that the Government has accepted the recommendations of the independent Pay Review Bodies in full, providing public sector workers with a consolidated wage increase of at least 6 per cent. The Government’s plan to deliver these pay rises is fully costed and will not mean reductions in frontline services. This is a fair deal that recognises the anxiety caused by cost-of-living pressures, supports recruitment and retention, and delivers one of the highest settlements in three decades.

The deal is also fiscally responsible, delivering pay rises that are broadly in line with the private sector. It would be neither fair nor affordable to meet unsustainable demands for pay rises well into double digits. To do so would be fiscally irresponsible, increasing national debt, passing the buck to future generations, weakening the foundations of our economy, and further fuelling inflation. I welcome that getting inflation down, the best tax cut there is - remains a top priority for the Prime Minister.

July 2023

Pension Credit Uptake

Selaine’s response:

I know the Government is always looking at ways to maximise the number of people claiming Pension Credit. I support their commitment to ensuring that everybody claims their full entitlement. I am encouraged by the latest Pension Credit take-up estimates (for the financial year ending 2020), which show the take up of Pension Credit at its highest level since 2010.

To further raise awareness of Pension Credit and increase uptake, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) launched a £1.2m nationwide communications campaign in April 2022. The campaign included:

•    the promotion of Pension Credit on social media, via internet search engines and sponsored advertising on targeted websites that pensioners, their friends and family are likely to visit;
•    information screens in Post Offices and GP surgeries across Great Britain;
•    advertising in regional and national newspapers and on national and local broadcast radio;
•    advertising on the sides of buses, interior bus panels and digital street displays;
•    leaflets and posters in Jobcentres, as well as digital versions that could be used by stakeholders and partners across local communities;
•    engagement with Local Authorities nationwide through the Government Communication Service local network and promotional materials to enable them to support the campaign;
•    a second Pension Credit awareness media ‘day of action’ in June 2022 working in close collaboration with broadcasters, newspapers and other partners such as Age UK, Independent Age and the private sector to reach out to pensioners to promote Pension Credit through their channels; and
•    an updated digital toolkit with information and resources that any stakeholder can use to help promote Pension Credit.

This campaign continued in December 2022, with press and radio advertising, as well as via social media channels.

In 2023, DWP will again write to over 11 million pensioners as part of the annual uprating of State Pensions. The accompanying leaflet has been updated to include the prominent campaign messaging promoting Pension Credit.

January 2023

Teachers' Strike Action

Selaine’s response:

It is extremely disappointing that the National Education Union (NEU), one of the trade unions representing the teaching profession, announced its intention to strike. Not enough members of two other unions, NASUWT, which represents classroom teachers, and NAHT, which represents head teachers, voted in favour of taking industrial action.

After two years of disrupted education due to the Covid-19 pandemic, every single day spent in school with experienced teachers who know their students makes a difference to a child’s development. The NEU’s decision to call strike action puts children’s education and wellbeing at risk at a time when teachers are working hard to support them in recovering from the pandemic.

I am deeply disappointed that the NEU has taken this step given that the Government announced a record funding increase for schools in the Autumn Statement. In the Autumn Statement, the Chancellor confirmed that schools in England will receive an additional £2 billion of funding next year and the year after. This will be the highest real terms spending on schools in history, totalling £58.8 billion by 2024/25. That does not mean no teacher is facing pressure, but this is not a sector starved of investment.

I understand the pressures many teachers, like the rest of society, are facing now due to the challenge of high inflation. Teachers do a job that is essential to our society, and they do it brilliantly. The Government is clear that their pay should reflect that which is why the pay rise teachers are receiving this year is the highest in a generation.

The Government accepted the recommendations of the Independent Pay Review Body to provide the highest pay increases for 30 years, with teachers seeing pay rises of 5 to 8.9%, and new teachers receiving the highest uplift. This will take teacher starting salaries to £28,000, which is significant progress towards this government’s 2019 manifesto commitment of a £30,000 starting salary.

Most teachers early in their career and around 40% of experienced teachers not already at the top of their pay scale will also get pay increases through progression or promotion, which in total could mean rises of up to 15.9% this year.

Furthermore, teachers’ pensions are among the best and safest available, and they come with a 23.6% employer pension contribution. By contrast, in the private sector 48% of employees receive an employer contribution of less than 4%. Teacher contributions start from as little as 7.4% and a maximum of 11.7%.

The Secretary of State for Education and officials from the Department for Education (DfE) continue to meet the trades unions to try to prevent strike action. The Government’s priority will always be to keep schools open and to keep children in the classroom, and the DfE has issued guidance to school leaders to help with this process.

January 2023

Right to Strike

Selaine’s response:

Trade union laws are designed to support an effective and collaborative approach to resolving industrial disputes. While the Government and I continue to support the right to strike, this should always be a last resort. As you may be aware, the Government is not responsible for decisions on pay. Well-established independent pay review process is the right way to set public sector pay; it provides independent, expert advice and is a neutral process in which all parties play a role.

That said, the Government recognises the particular economic challenges the country faces this year. A balance must be struck between giving workers a fair and reasonable settlement and taking steps to continue to bring down inflation and protect households’ budgets. In this time of economic difficulties, inflation-matching pay awards that many of the unions are demanding will make the fight against inflation more challenging, risking interest rates, mortgage payments and bills rising for people as a result. This would erode the value of any pay increase for public sector workers and hurt households across the country.

Nevertheless the Government hugely respects and values the work of our public sector workers, and it is committed to taking a reasonable approach to avoid prolonged industrial action. Therefore the Government is inviting trade unions to meet for honest, constructive conversations about what is fair and affordable in public sector pay settlements for 2023- 24, and Secretaries of State are reaching out to unions to invite them to sit down and discuss the evidence that the Government will be submitting to the pay review bodies.

The rights of some workers to strike must be balanced against the rights of the wider public to get on with their daily lives. Strikes can, and do, cause significant disruption. That is particularly the case when they take place in important public services such as transport or education. It cannot be right that trade unions can, as we saw in the case of the recent rail strikes, seek to hold the country to ransom if their demands are not met.

I recognise the pressure the current cost-of-living situation puts on UK households. But while taxpayers continue to foot the bill, ministerial colleagues cannot support union demands for huge government-funded pay increases for workers.

The Government also has a duty to the public to ensure their safety, protect their access to vital public services, and help them go about their daily lives. Therefore, the Government will introduce legislation to require Minimum Service Levels for vital public services such as healthcare, rail, fire and border security to maintain critical and in many cases life-saving services.

This new legislation will allow the Government, NHS, the public and other services to plan properly for the running of services in times of strike, and ensure that striking workers are not inadvertently putting the public at risk. This package of measures will see the UK align with many countries across the world such as France and Spain that already have minimum service agreements in place, to prevent large swathes of their economies being ground to a halt by industrial action.

January 2023

Seafarers’ Wages

Selaine’s response:

I was shocked at the extreme and callous treatment demonstrated by P&O Ferries in its decision to make nearly 800 employees redundant by pre-recorded video message.

I support the strong action taken by the then Secretary of State for Transport to confront this, including setting out a package of nine measures designed to force P&O to rethink its decision while sending a clear message to the maritime industry that this will not be tolerated or allowed to happen again.

This package includes new minimum wage enforcement action by HMRC, changes to attract more vessels to sail under the British flag and the provision of new statutory powers for British ports to refuse access to regular ferry services that do not pay their crew the national minimum wage.

The Seafarers' Wages Bill, now making its way through Parliament, will mean that ferry operators which do not pay their crew at least minimum wage will not be able to dock in British ports.

As well as working directly with our trading partners on the establishment of 'minimum wage corridors' for seafarers on direct routes, the UK will pursue worldwide agreements at the International Labour Organisation, pushing for the creation of a common set of principles to support maritime workers, including an international minimum wage, a global framework for maritime training, and tools to support seafarer mental health.

It is imperative that we address the many irregularities which exist between those who work at sea and those who work on land, and I will continue to monitor this matter as it develops.

December 2022

Cost of Living: Uprate Benefits

Selaine’s response:

As an active member of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, I strongly welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement during the Autumn Statement 2022 that the Government will continue to protect the most vulnerable by increasing benefits by 10.1% from April 2023, in line with inflation. This means that more than ten million households receiving working-age and disability benefits will see an increase in their benefit payments. The average uplift for households receiving Universal Credit will be around £600.

Current practice is that uprating orders come into force in April. This is because it can take several months to apply uprating through the various systems through which benefits operate. There are currently no plans to change the uprating period: using a consistent period for uprating, for example the 12 months to September, means any peaks and troughs even out over time.

December 2022

Equal Power Now Campaign

Selaine’s response:

I believe unlocking the full potential and power of women and girls is of vital importance. Not only is it morally right that women and girls can participate in the decisions that affect their lives, but it also accelerates progress on all our global priorities, from economic prosperity to security. Regrettably, however, women and girls continue to remain underrepresented in formal, high-level processes related political decision-making.

It is for reasons such as these that providing women and girls with the freedom they need to succeed is a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) priority, as outlined in the Government's Strategy for International Development, published in May 2022. This is in keeping with FCDO human rights objectives, which currently include a particular emphasis on promoting gender equality and women and girls’ rights.

The FCDO’s activity in this area includes work to strengthen legislation on gender-based violence; initiatives to increase the political participation of women; support for women’s rights organisations in protecting and promoting the rights of women and girls; and the empowerment of women to participate in national dialogue and decision-making processes. In line with this, enabling women ands girls' active participation in political processes continues to be an important area of UK Aid's work, which I understand includes elections management and observation, electoral system reform and campaigns, women’s movements and leadership, and work with the media.

I hope this reassures you that the UK Government is committed to a foreign policy that consciously and consistently delivers gender equality. Likewise, I am glad that the Government is also taking significant steps to increase the political representation and participation of women and girls here in the UK.

The 2019 General Election, for instance, saw more women than ever elected, with female MPs making up a proportion of 34%. In addition, the number of women on FTSE 350 boards has increased by over 50% in the last five years. It is encouraging to see more women and girls represented in the STEM pipeline also, with a 50.1% increase in women accepted on to full-time STEM undergraduate courses in the UK.

Whilst room for further progress remains, I can assure you that the UK stands steadfast in its commitment to protect and promote women’s and girls’ rights and will continue to work with partners, including women’s rights organisations, to deliver for women and girls everywhere.

October 2022

Trussell Trust’s Social Security Campaign

Selaine’s response:

I understand constituents’ concerns regarding rising costs, and I know that ministerial colleagues are determined to help people with the cost of living.

As an active member of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, we regularly scrutinize our social security system and I am working at Westminster to ensure that we strengthen benefit provisions for the most vulnerable in society whilst also enabling people who can work, to work.

I am committed to supporting those on low incomes and this country has a robust social security system to do so. Over £242 billion will be spent through the welfare system in Great Britain in 2022/23 including £108 billion on people of working age and over £134 billion on pensioners.

I welcome the Prime Minister’s action on energy bills. Under her plans, a typical household will pay no more than £2,500 a year on their energy bill for the next two years. This will be delivered through the ‘Energy Price Guarantee’ (EPG), which will take effect from 1 October.

This action is in addition to the £37 billion worth of support introduced earlier this year for households. This includes the £400 payment Energy Bill Rebate for households, and up to £1,200 for households in receipt of qualifying benefits, which will be delivered as planned.

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions is required to undertake an annual statutory review of benefits and pensions. They are required to up-rate some benefits and pensions by at least the increase in earnings or prices. Other benefits, mainly those of working age, are subject to their discretion. In 2022/23 benefits and pensions were increased by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) of 3.1%.

The review uses the CPI in the year to September to measure inflation, and average weekly earnings for the period May to July to measure earnings. The annual review will commence in the autumn and her decisions will be announced to Parliament in November in the normal way.

Debt deductions for Universal Credit overpayments are part of the DWP’s obligation to protect public funds and to ensure that, wherever possible, benefit overpayments are recovered. I know that Ministers want to discharge this duty without causing undue financial hardship. That is why the Government has an established route by which anyone experiencing difficulties with repayments is encouraged to contact DWP Debt Management in order to negotiate a possible reduction in their rate of repayment, or a temporary suspension of repayment, depending on financial circumstances.

The Department has to balance the amount that can be deducted with the protections that deductions offer claimants. Lowering the maximum deduction rate further would result in less essential deductions such as Child Maintenance being made. The Government has reduced the maximum deduction rate twice in the past three years, from 40% to 30% in 2019, and further to 25% in 2021. Ministers believe this strikes the right balance of ensuring priority debts and social obligations are met whilst enabling claimants to retain more of their award to meet day-to-day needs.

October 2022

BT/Openreach Industrial Dispute

Selaine’s response:

It is my understanding that Communication Workers Union (CWU) members, including call centre workers and engineers have been taking part in strike action due to a dispute over pay.

BT and Openreach, as its wholly-owned subsidiary, are private sector employers and therefore this dispute a matter for them and CWU to resolve and not something the Government can involve itself in. It is my hope that this dispute can be resolved as quickly as possible.

August 2022

Debt and the Cost of Living

Selaine’s response:

I understand the concerns regarding the rising cost of living. There is a fine line to be balanced between ensuring that taxpayers’ money is being spent correctly and allowing claimants to retain as much of their award as possible for day-to-day needs.

The standard deductions cap has been reduced three times, from 40%, to 30%, to 25%. This has helped hundreds of thousands of UC claimants to retain more of their award. Reducing the standard cap below 25% would reduce the range of debts a claimants could address, and risk vital obligations (such as Child Maintenance payments) not being made at all.

Claimants can contact DWP Debt management if they are experiencing financial hardship, to discuss a reduction in their rate of repayment or a temporary suspension, depending on their financial circumstances.

I welcome the £37 billion of support that the Government has introduced to help benefits’ recipients with the cost of living. Recipients of means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit will be eligible to receive a £650 cost of living payment. Pensioners in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment will receive an extra £300 this year to help them cover the rising cost of energy this winter.

Those in receipt of disability benefits will receive £150 cost of living payments. I believe these will be paid from September. Additionally, households will get £400 of support with their energy bills through an expansion of the Energy Bills Support Scheme, as well as £1.5 billion of support being made available through the Household Support Fund. In addition to the council tax rebate announced in the Spring Statement, the support is worth up to £1,500.

As a member of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, we have heard evidence on the current situation, and have recently published a report with recommendations on how to help benefit claimants: Work and Pensions Committee - Publications - Committees - UK Parliament. I will continue to engage with ministerial colleagues to ensure that benefits’ recipients receive the support they need to cope with the increases in the cost of living.

July 2022

Channel 4 Jobs

Selaine’s response:

Please be assured of the Government's commitment to the success and sustainability of the UK’s public broadcasting system, of which Channel 4 is an essential part.

Channel 4 has been largely successful so far in achieving its goals since its creation, including supporting the UK independent production sector, delivering diverse and risk-taking content and contributing to the wider public goals of public service broadcasting. The television landscape has changed vastly since then.

As you may be aware, Channel 4 is entirely commercially funded, but has been publicly owned since it began broadcasting. It was set up in this way principally to provide greater choice, but today, modern streaming networks allow audiences to watch what they want, when they want and how they want across numerous platforms on their personal devices. The independent production sector has also grown enormously so that it now supplies desired content to a wide range of broadcasters and streaming services.

The Culture Secretary, after public consultation, considers Government ownership to be holding Channel 4 back from competing against streaming sites such as Netflix and Amazon. I believe that a change of ownership will offer Channel 4 the freedom to continue its success as a public service broadcaster long into the future.

I also note your concern that the sale of Channel 4 will negatively impact the smaller businesses involved in television production. However, in 2020 only 10% of Channel 4’s external commissioning spend was with producers with turnover up to £10 million, less than the BBC, ITV and Channel 5, suggesting that private ownership does not necessarily lead to lower investment in smaller companies. It is also the case that new private-sector ownership which improves Channel 4’s access to capital to support its growth and sustainability may result in increased investment in independent productions in absolute terms as Channel 4 thrives and expands. I will be monitoring the developments of Channel 4’s proposed sale closely to ensure smaller enterprises are not negatively impacted.

I understand, under the proposals, Channel 4’s existing obligations in terms of regional production outside of London and England will be maintained, as will its remit to provide distinctive, educational, innovative and experimental programming that represents the breadth of society, and obligations to show ‘original’ programmes and provide high quality news and current affairs

Under private ownership, the Government will remove a restriction on Channel 4 which effectively prohibits it from producing and selling its own content. This will allow it to expand its revenue streams and improve its long-term sustainability. Channel 4 will still be required to commission a minimum volume of programming from independent producers, in line with the quotas placed on other public service broadcasters, to protect its contribution to the sector.

Access to capital and the freedom to make and own content are important tools Channel 4 will need to succeed in the future, create new revenue streams and compete. I share the Government's view that the necessary investment to do this at scale and pace is best provided under private ownership, rather than asking taxpayers to bear the associated risk.

July 2022

Reforming Disability Benefit Assessments

Selaine’s response:

I firmly believe that the benefits system should support the people who need it most. The health and disability green paper and subsequent consultation considered how to improve the Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP) current services so they are better and easier to use, how extra support can help people navigate the system, and what more can be done to better support disabled people into employment. I understand that a White Paper is expected later this year, and I will be sure to follow developments closely. As a member of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, we have heard much evidence on this matter, and will no doubt consider the White Paper’s content in great detail.

I am encouraged that one of DWP's aims is to improve the assessment process for financial support. This will ensure it is as simple as possible and people can clearly understand the reason for and approach to an assessment, what evidence to provide and the outcome received.

I know that DWP are also committed to building transparency and consistency in the delivery of assessments and in their outcomes. A more personalised service would stop people having to repeatedly provide information or attend unnecessary repeat assessments.

Ministerial colleagues are determined to deliver reforms that are developed through close collaboration with disabled people and I look forward to the Government's response and detailed proposals in due course.

June 2022

NHS Pay: Junior Doctors

Selaine’s response:

The passion, commitment, and specialist knowledge of our NHS staff, including junior doctors, is part of what makes our NHS so special. Frontline NHS workers have played a vital and unique role throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and I know we are all grateful for their dedication.

In 2019 a multi-year agreement for doctors and dentists in training was reached. The deal means that all junior doctor pay scales will have increased by 8.2% by the end of the deal, and in addition around £90 million is being invested to reform the contract, including to create a new, higher pay point to recognise the most experienced doctors in training.

While I note your comments around the inclusion of junior doctors in the pay review process, I understand the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB) has not been asked to make a pay recommendation due to the multi year agreement in place. They have, however, been told that the DDRB's comments and observations on the evidence they receive during the process relating to doctors and dentists in training would be welcome.

The wider pay review process is ongoing and uplifts will be determined by the recommendations of the independent Pay Review bodies. No decisions will be made until recommendations have been received later in the year.

May 2022

Cost of Living

Selaine’s response:

I understand anxiety over rising prices and inflation. I want to assure constituents that the Government will continue to listen and to ensure that the policies in place do help those who need it most. I strongly welcome that Government support for families will be worth over £22 billion in 2022-23.

I have made my ministerial colleagues aware of my constituents' concerns and I strongly welcome the range of measures put in place, including the new three part plan to help households with their energy bills during this challenging period.

Several external factors have driven inflationary pressures. In particular, shortages created by the reanimation of the global economy and global energy price spikes brought on by the inability of supply to keep up with demand and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This has been particularly acute when it comes to the price of wholesale gas.

A rise in the National Living Wage will mean an extra £1,000 in the pockets of millions of people. The Government has also cut the Universal Credit taper rate and increased work allowances, which represent an effective tax cut for low income working households in receipt of UC worth £2.2 billion in 2022-23.

Furthermore, I welcome that the National Insurance personal threshold will rise further from £9,500 to £12,570 from July 2022. This will bring it in line with the equivalent Income Tax personal allowance and represents the largest increase in a personal tax threshold in British history, equivalent to a £6 billion tax cut for nearly 30 million workers and worth over £330 a year starting in July, across the entire UK. This represents the largest single personal tax cut in a decade.

I will be working with my Parliamentary colleagues to ensure the Government continues to help ordinary households up and down the country as our economy continues to recover from the shock of Coronavirus.

I am pleased that the Government continues to work with business to ensure that we have access to safe, nutritious and affordable food from a wide range of sources, particularly from British farmers. As you may know, ministers commissioned an independent review into the food system. Part One of that review was published in July 2020 and it gave recommendations to support this country through the turbulence caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Part Two of the independent review was published in July 2021 and sets out proposals for measures to combat obesity and improve overall health of children and adults, as well as proposals for specific initiatives to educate children about nutrition at school. My ministerial colleagues will now carefully consider the report's conclusions and respond with a White Paper in due course, setting out priorities for the food system.

I understand the burden that many commuters face, which is why I welcome the decision announced at the Spring Statement to cut fuel duty by 5 pence for a full year across all fuel duty rates. I also urge pensioners here in North Devon, if they have not already, to check if they are entitled to Pension Credit, as only 1 in 4 pensioners who are able to claim this benefit are currently doing so, and the cost of living crisis is clearly hardest on those with fixed incomes.

May 2022

Reforming Disability Benefit Assessments

Selaine’s response:

Please note that I do not sign any Early Day Motions (EDMs). These have no chance of becoming law, and according to the House of Commons Library, cost £271 each to publish. I do not feel that this is a good use of taxpayer’s money, nor do I feel that this is an effective way to raise an issue in Parliament.

I continue to raise my constituents’ concerns with Ministers privately and in Parliament to ensure that North Devon is represented in the most appropriate way. I also feel that EDMs have also been superseded by e-petitions, which can be signed by everyone, and have much more success in raising awareness of different issues.

I sit on the Work and Pensions Select Committee where we scrutinise the DWP's policies to ensure that our benefit system remains safe

April 2022

Taxability of Financial Support

Selaine’s response:

My understanding is that Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) payments are by legislative default subject to income tax. I am not aware of any plans to revise the taxable status of this income.

April 2022

Disability Benefit Assessments

Selaine’s response:

I firmly believe that the welfare system should protect the most vulnerable in society. The Personal Independence Payment is assessed on the basis of the needs arising from a health condition or disability, rather than the health condition or disability itself.

PIP assessments look at an individual's ability to carry out a series of key everyday activities which are fundamental to living an independent life, such as their ability to prepare, cook and eat food, dress and undress and make budgeting decisions. This ensures that the greatest level of support goes to those least able to carry out such activities in order to contribute towards the increased costs they are likely to incur.

The health professionals carrying out PIP assessments have training in multiple and complex conditions and have specific guidance available to them on the effects of a range of conditions.

I welcome the DWP’s ambition to go further, to listen and deliver reforms that are developed through close collaboration with disabled people.

March 2022

Pensions Bill Amendment

Selaine’s response:

It is right that we do not hesitate to express our disagreement with foreign nations whenever we feel that it is necessary.

However, I have spoken with Ministerial colleagues about this issue, and they have made their position on boycotts clear. There is a firm opposition to local boycotts that can damage integration and community cohesion, hinder exports, and harm foreign relations and the UK’s economic and international security.

It is not the role of local authorities to undertake boycotts that could undermine foreign policy, which is a matter for the UK Government alone. It was a manifesto pledge to ban public bodies from imposing their own boycotts, disinvestment or sanction campaigns, and I understand that the Government is legislating for this as soon as parliamentary time allows.

March 2022

NHS Staff Catering

Selaine’s response:

I would like to thank our NHS staff for their tireless work to support patients day and night, and I appreciate the commitment of campaigners to ensure they have access to good catering and self-catering facilities.

Whilst I cannot endorse the specific campaign promoted in the EDM, I am reassured by the actions the Government is taking to increase standards and improve catering and self-catering facilities for NHS staff.

The Independent Hospital Food Review, published in October 2020, made a number of recommendations to improve standards of catering in hospitals in England. This included that hospitals should provide “appropriate facilities to support patients and staff to eat well 24/7 when in the hospital environment.”

In addition, the Review recommended that if it is not be possible for hospitals to provide catering or restaurant facilities over 24 hours, staff must still have access to appropriate facilities to safely store, prepare and eat their own meals and hot drinks at any time of day and night.

An expert panel of NHS caterers, dieticians and nurses are currently leading work to review to implement the recommendations for tastier, more nutritious food for patients, staff and visitors.

February 2022

NHS and Social Care Staff Covid-19 Vaccination

Selaine’s response:

Nowhere is vaccination more important than in our health and social care system. It has always been the expectation that everyone gets the Covid-19 vaccine, especially those working in health and care settings who have a professional duty to do so.

All Covid-19 measures are kept under constant review and vaccination as a condition deployment in health and care settings is no exception. When this was consulted on, evidence showed that vaccine effectiveness against infection from the dominant, and more severe, Delta variant was between 65 and 80 per cent. It was clear that vaccination was the best way to keep vulnerable people safe. Given this, I believe it was the right policy at the right time, supported by clinical evidence. Indeed, we have seen a net increase of 127,000 NHS workers and 32,000 social care workers being vaccinated.

However, given that Delta has been replaced by Omicron, it is welcome that this policy has been reviewed. With the population, as a whole, better protected against hospitalisation, and Omicron being intrinsically less severe, the Government has concluded that it is no longer proportionate to require vaccination as a condition of deployment through statute.

Following a successful booster rollout and with workforce challenges remaining, the balance of opportunities and risks of this policy have now changed. Subject to consultation and parliamentary approval, the legal requirement for health and social care staff to be vaccinated will be removed. Those working in these sectors still have an important professional duty to get vaccinated and it is welcome that so many have taken the decision to do so.

I will of course be monitoring the consultation closely.

February 2022

Support for Disabled People

Selaine’s response:

I understand that disabled people and their families can encounter many hidden costs, from specialised equipment to travel expenditure.

You may be aware of the Government’s publication of the National Disability Strategy, which focuses on the issues that disabled people say affect them the most across all aspects and phases of life, including education, housing and transport.

I am also delighted to see the publication of the Health and Disability Green Paper and I look forward to reading the Government's response to the attached consultation in due course.

The Green Paper considers how to improve the DWP’s current services so they are better and easier to use, explore how extra support can help people navigate the system as well as what can be done to better support disabled people into employment. Spending in this area increased by almost 5 per cent in 2020 from £19 billion to £20 billion.

I welcome the new £500 million Household Support Fund for vulnerable households who need some extra support over the coming months with the cost of essentials. The new Fund has been available to councils in England since October with councils able to distribute funding within local areas to directly help those who need it most.

To help with travel costs, many councils also offer free or discounted fares and I am encouraged by updates to the Access to Work programme which enable people to access a blended offer that provides support both at home and at someone’s normal place of work.

It is vital that our welfare system supports those who need it and would emphasise that £55 billion is spent per year on benefits to support disabled people and those with health conditions. I know my colleagues across government continue to monitor research and campaigning from a wide variety of sources as they consider the future of welfare and disability policy.

January 2022

The Child Disability Addition under Universal Credit (UC)

Selaine’s response:

The UC disabled child addition (DCA) is intended to provide extra support to low-income families with a disabled child.

To clarify, there are two rates of monthly DCA payments a parent with a disabled or severely disabled child is entitled to under UC. Children who receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) care component at the middle or lower rate, the DLA mobility component at either rate of those rates, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) at the standard daily living rate, or PIP at the standard or enhanced mobility rate will receive £128.89. Children who receive DLA or PIP at the highest rate, or are certified blind will receive £402.41.

A child or young person in receipt of DLA or PIP will be eligible for support of up to £152.15 a week, on top of their family’s Universal Credit entitlement.

Tax-Free Childcare helps around 2 million families with the cost of childcare. Everyone who earns at least £120 per week on average, but does not exceed £100,000 per annum, can apply for the scheme. Working parents are able to apply via an online childcare account, and access up to £2,000 per child, or £4,000 for disabled children. Temporary changes have been made to the eligibility criteria during coronavirus, and more information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-can-get-tax-free-childcare-and-30-hours-free-childcare-during-coronavirus-covid-19.

The Government is committed to building back fairer by delivering the National Disability Strategy ensuring we improve the everyday lives of disabled people and their families across jobs, housing, transport, education, shopping, culture, justice, public services, and data and evidence.

I hope this assures constituents that there is wide range of support in place for parents of children with disabilities.

December 2021

Public Sector Pensions

Selaine’s Response:

With the cost of providing public sector pensions increasing, reforms were introduced in 2015 to ensure that public service pensions remain affordable and sustainable in the long term, and that the burden on the working population remains proportionate. As part of these reforms, most public sector workers were moved to new pension schemes, while transitional provisions were introduced to allow older public sector workers to remain members of the previous schemes.

The Court of Appeal ruled in December 2018 that these transitional provisions amount to unlawful discrimination and the Government’s attempt to appeal this decision through the Supreme Court has not been successful. As part of the court process, the Government ran a consultation to gather views on how best to rectify the discrimination identified in the policy of transitional protection.

Following consideration of consultation responses, I welcome that the Government will implement the deferred choice underpin (DCU). The DCU will give eligible scheme members a choice at the point their pension becomes payable, whether they wish to receive benefits from their legacy scheme or benefits equivalent to those that would have been available under their reformed schemes in relation to their service between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2022.

The Government is bringing forward the Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Bill, to provide requisite powers to deliver these changes to public service pension schemes.

While employees will be compensated in a way that satisfies the Court of Appeal’s judgment, I know the Government remains committed to delivering public sector pensions which are fair to both workers and taxpayers.

November 2021

Second Jobs for MPs

Selaine’s response:

While Members of Parliament have duties and responsibilities to represent their constituents both in the constituency and in Westminster, they have long been allowed to have a second job. I believe that in some circumstances, having a second job can broaden Members' perspectives and experience which can contribute to their expertise. It is important to note that Members must register individual payments of more than £100 which they receive for any employment outside the House. They must also register individual payments of £100 or less once they have received a total of over £300 in payments of whatever size from the same source in a calendar year.

An MP’s primary job is and must be to serve their constituents and represent their interests in Parliament. They should be visible in their constituencies and available to help their constituents with constituency matters. If they do not fulfil this role, they will rightly be judged on that by their constituents at the next election.

In light of recent events, I am glad that the Prime Minister proposed that recommendations 1 and 10 of the Committee on Standards in Public Life's 2018 report on MPs' outside interests be implemented. These recommendations state that "any outside activity undertaken by an MP... should be within reasonable limits and should not prevent them from fully carrying out their range of duties". And, further, that "MPs should not accept any paid work to provide services as a Parliamentary strategist, adviser or consultant" paid or unpaid.

As you may be aware, changes to the Code of Conduct are a matter for Parliament itself and, as such, I am encouraged that the House of Commons voted in favour of these recommendations. These changes will be brought forward by 31 January 2022 through cross-party work, including that being done by the House’s Committee on Standards. The Government believes that these changes will command the confidence of parliamentarians and the public.

More broadly, I welcome that the Government will be looking to work on a cross-party basis to achieve improvements in our system for future cases handled by the Standards Committee. The Government has been clear that this should not be based on a single case or applied retrospectively.

November 2021

Deaths Related to the Benefits System

Selaine’s response:

This is of course a highly emotive issue, and it is important to remember that behind the numbers each individual death is a tragedy for that person’s family and loved ones. However, it would be wrong to draw broad conclusions about benefit assessments or sanctions based on individual cases, which are complex and varied.

I have spoken with colleagues at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) who assure me that, in the rare case that there is an allegation that DWP’s actions may have contributed to a person’s death, they take it very seriously. There is a wide-ranging, independent, and transparent system for investigating such cases, including through the Coroners, the Independent Case Examiner, and the Parliamentary Health Service Ombudsman. For instance, where engaged, a Coroner has responsibility for concluding the cause of a person’s death.

Internally, where DWP is made aware of a death and there is a suggestion or allegation that its actions or omissions may have negatively contributed to the customer’s circumstances, it will conduct an Internal Process Review to scrutinise departmental processes and, if appropriate, identify recommendations for changes. In recent years the Department has broadened the range of circumstances in which a review can be carried out to increase learning from such cases.

You may also be aware that DWP set up the Serious Case Panel in 2019 to consider and learn from systemic themes and broad issues arising from serious cases. The Panel tracks recommendations to ensure they are implemented, in order to reduce the incidence of such cases in future. The minutes from each meeting are made available shortly after each panel sitting via the gov.uk website, alongside the Panel’s Terms of Reference.

November 2021

Wealth Tax – EDM 420

Selaine’s response:

I continue to raise my constituents’ concerns with ministers privately and in Parliament to ensure that North Devon is represented in the most appropriate way. I also feel that EDMs have also been superseded by e-petitions, which can be signed by everyone, and have much more success in raising awareness of different issues.

The UK does not have a comprehensive, single wealth tax, but it does have several taxes on assets and wealth. These taxes operate across many different economic activities, including the acquisition, holding, transfer and disposal of assets, and income derived from assets. The UK’s taxes on wealth are broadly equivalent to those of other G7 countries.

The UK’s progressive income tax system means the top 1% of income taxpayers are projected to have paid over 29% of all Income Tax, and top 5% are projected to have paid over 50%, in 2019-20.

October 2021

Teachers’ Pay

Selaine’s response:

As a former teacher myself, I understand that teachers have a huge impact on children’s futures and I want all our children to be taught by the brightest and the best. I am aware that over the course of the pandemic teachers and educational staff have faced many challenges and played an incredible role in ensuring that children have continued to receive a fantastic education.

I am aware the 31st report of the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) was published on the pay award for teachers and is now in place as of September 2021. As set out in the 2020 Spending Review, there will be a pause to headline pay rises for the majority of public sector workforces in 2021-22 to ensure fairness between public and private sector wage growth. I believe that this approach will help protect public sector jobs and investment in public services, with those earning less than £24,000 receiving a £250 increase.

The Department for Education has confirmed the intention to accept the recommendations from the STRB in full. This includes a pay award of £250 for all teachers earning less than £24,000, or the recommended equivalent value for teachers in London pay areas, and the introduction of advisory pay points on the unqualified teacher pay range, as was the case for teachers on the main pay range and upper pay range last year.

As a result of the Government’s three-year investment package announced at the 2019 spending round, this pay award will be affordable within school budgets. The funding for core schools was increased by £2.2 billion for the 2021-22 financial year and it will be increased by a further £2.4 billion in 2022-23.

I am aware that a consultation has taken place on the Government’s response to these recommendations and on a revised school teachers’ pay and conditions document and pay order, which lasted for eight weeks. The outcome of the consultation will be published in due course.

This pause in public sector pay rises will ensure that we can get the public finances back on a sustainable path following the Covid-19 pandemic. I would like to take this opportunity to thank teachers again for their remarkable commitment throughout the recent difficult times.

October 2021

Triple Lock on the State Pension

Selaine's response:

As I am sure you are aware, the pensions triple lock ensures that the state pension increases by the higher of 2.5%, earnings, or inflation – as long as earnings rise. Last year earnings fell. While I am very pleased that the Government acted fast to get millions onto furlough that covered 80% of their wages, this means that average earnings fell, and so under the Social Security Administration Act 1992, pensions were legally prevented from being raised without new legislation. Acting in the interests of this country’s pensioners, I voted for the Government’s new legislation that, for one year only, allowed us to bypass the constraints of the 1992 Act and raise pensions regardless. Last year we kept our triple lock, and pensions were raised by 2.5%, that figure being higher than inflation.

This year we are faced with a statistical anomaly. As working people came off furlough they returned to 100% of their wages, an 8.8% increase in wages, but just from employees coming off furlough, not wage inflation. As a result of this the Triple Lock has again been reviewed this year and amended to be a Double Lock which ensures the State Pension will rise by the higher of 2.5% or inflation, which is expected to be the highest of the two.

Amending the Triple Lock has not been a decision that has taken lightly, and I have met with the Secretary of State with the Pensions Minister this week and had confirmation that this is a one year amendment to a Double Lock given the unprecedented circumstances of the pandemic, as last year’s amendment to ensure a rise, despite a fall in earnings was also just for the one year. I recognise retaining the Triple Lock was a manifesto commitment, yet no manifesto included a global pandemic, and the now £407bn that has been spent protecting jobs, livelihoods and rolling out the vaccine.

September 2021

Universal Credit £20 Uplift

Selaine's response:

The £20 uplift to Universal Credit was a temporary measure brought in during the pandemic, and has provided an unprecedented lifeline during the extended period of the pandemic. This support adds up to between £6-9billion per year, and were it to remain, this would need to be paid for by an additional tax rise for hard working families across the UK.

This is not to say that I do not understand, and have great sympathy with the individual cases that will find the readjustment of family budgets by £86 per month difficult. I sit on the Work and Pensions’ Select Committee and hear much evidence from across the country on the situation. But there are many people under the Universal Credit umbrella who are looking for work, and certainly here in North Devon, there are an abundance of job vacancies, and we know that the best route out of poverty is through work. I recognise that 38% of those on Universal Credit are already in work, even if part time, and I have met with Ministers in Westminster and am assured that the Skills for Life and other programmes coming forward will help those in jobs, get better jobs, or be able to work for more hours if currently part time.

I personally hope we will find a way to help those families that need the additional support and who for whatever reason are unable to work at this time. Our Barnstaple Job Centre Plus, that covers North Devon do a fantastic job helping people into work, and I urge those families concerned about this change in benefits to contact their work coach to ensure they are claiming everything that they are entitled to, but that is now targeted support that is needed for families with specific needs.

As this IFS report shows https://ifs.org.uk/publications/15528, many of the new claimants to Universal Credit since the onset of the pandemic are single people without children, indeed 63% of the increase in the Universal Credit caseload has been from single people without children who therefore have a lower entitlement. This will mean that the withdrawal of the temporary uplift, as a percentage of their income, will be larger, but given the number of job vacancies that we have I am sure the earnings can be made up via the workplace.

The Universal Credit system has stood up incredibly well during the pandemic and has provided the lifeline needed for millions. It is important to note that the opposition would replace Universal Credit, yet have no plan what they would replace it with.

I commit to continue to work with Ministers and the Select Committee at Westminster to highlight how better targeted support can reach those in our community who need it. I will continue to call on government to develop a poverty strategy to provide appropriate targeted support which I believe is a combination of help with childcare costs, debt management and particularly an issue around the cost of housing in many parts of the country, which outweigh any income rises.

September 2021

NHS Pay

Selaine’s response:

I believe that the passion, commitment, and specialist knowledge of our NHS staff is part of what makes our NHS so special. Frontline NHS workers have played a vital and unique role throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and I know we are all grateful for their dedication. It is right that they receive a pay rise, despite the wider public sector pay pause, in recognition of their extraordinary contribution.

That is why I warmly welcome the Government’s acceptance of the independent pay review bodies’ recommendation to give a 3% rise to NHS staff. This real-term increase will benefit 1 million of our NHS staff, including nurses, paramedics, consultants, dentists, salaried GPs and porters. For the average nurse, this will mean an additional £1,000 a year, while many porters and cleaners will receive around £540. I firmly support the decision to provide this pay uplift in recognition of the NHS’ extraordinary work and the impact of the pandemic.

It is absolutely vital that we back our NHS and support it in efforts to tackle both the Covid-19 pandemic and the backlog of other health problems that have built up. The historic long-term settlement for the NHS will see NHS funding increase by £33.9 billion by 2023/24 and, in recognition of the unprecedented pressure from the pandemic, a further £3 billion of additional funding is being provided in 2021/22 to support recovery from the impact of Covid-19.

I share the Government’s commitment to making the NHS the best place to work for all staff and welcome continued investment in recruitment and retention. There are currently almost 1.2 million staff working in NHS trusts, an increase of over 45,300 compared with a year ago. This includes over 4,000 more doctors and almost 9,000 more nurses, meaning the Government is on track to deliver on the commitment to recruit 50,000 more nurses by 2024.

I can assure you that I will continue to play my part in ensuring that we support all those in our health service who are working tirelessly to care for patients.

August 2021

Flexible working

Selaine’s response:

Flexible working patterns can be mutually beneficial to the employer and the employee, helping attract and retain a workforce, increasing productivity and reducing costs.

The Government guidance still states that where an employee can work from home they should continue to do so. If they cannot work from home, for example those working in construction or manufacturing, they can go to their workplace. The Government keeps this public health guidance under constant review, taking into account the latest scientific and medical advice.

Separate to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, legally, at present, all employees with 26 weeks’ continuous service with their employer have the right to request flexible working. The Government will be consulting in the longer term on making flexible working the default unless employers have good reasons not to, as committed to in 2019 Conservative Party election manifesto, which covers a range of working arrangements around the time, place and hours of work, including part-time working, flexi-time, or compressed hours, not just working from home. I understand this consultation will be published later this year, with legislation to follow when Parliamentary time allows. I am sure you will agree this is a welcome step and demonstrates the Government’s desire to deliver on our manifesto commitment to protect and enhance workers’ rights.

Ministers have also consulted on proposals for large employers, with over 250 employees, to publish their parental leave and pay and flexible working policies, and to advertise jobs as open to flexible working. I understand that they are now considering the next steps.

The current arrangements provide that all employees meeting the service requirement have the legal right to request flexible working, not just parents and carers, by making a statutory application. Options for a request include working from home, job sharing, working part time or full time over fewer days, flexi-time, annualised working hours, staggered hours compared with colleagues and progressing through a phased retirement.

Once an application has been made the employer has three months to decide, or longer if by agreement with the employee. Agreement with the request will lead to a change in the employee’s contract, whereas in the event of refusal the employer must write to the employee setting out a legitimate business reason for the refusal. In the event of a dispute the employee may have recourse to an employment tribunal.

Finally, more broadly, I have also been reassured that ministers are working with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development to commission the Flexible Working Taskforce to put together non-binding advice for employers around some of the work being done in the workplace and some outside of it, as many employers would typically already be doing. The Taskforce can help to take forward the best of what has been learned through the pandemic and help support workers and employers to adapt to new ways of working.

June 2021

Pensions

Selaine’s response:

I am committed to ensuring that older people receive the support they are entitled to, so they can enjoy dignity and security in their retirement. That is why I am glad the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) engages with people who may be eligible for benefits at pivotal moments in their lives, such as when they claim State Pension or report a change in their circumstances.

Speaking with colleagues at the DWP, they assure me that they use a wide range of channels to communicate information about benefits to potential customers, including gov.uk, leaflets and telephone. DWP staff in Pension Centres and Jobcentres, including visiting officers, are able to provide help and advice about entitlement to benefits, as are Local Authority staff who administer Housing Benefit. People can also use the Pension Credit calculator (https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator) to check if they are likely to be eligible and get an estimate of what they may receive. People wishing to claim Pension Credit can call 0800 99 1234 or can claim online.

In February 2020, the DWP launched a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of Pension Credit. The aim of the campaign was to encourage those over State Pension age to check whether they are eligible. It made clear that having savings, a pension or owning a home are not automatic barriers to receiving Pension Credit, as well as explaining that even a small award of Pension Credit can provide access to a range of other benefits such as help with rent, council tax reduction schemes and heating costs.

I am also aware that letters to 11 million pensioners about increases in the State Pension now include an accompanying leaflet with specific information about Pension Credit. As a member of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, I keep a close eye on these matters.

June 2021

Fairness for the Frontline

Selaine’s response:

I fully support the Government's announcement last year of a pay rise of 2.8% for doctors and dentists, backdated to April 2020, in line with the recommendations of the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration. This pay rise is an important acknowledgment of the commitment and hard work of staff throughout this difficult time, and I am assured that the Government is working to deliver as much as it can in NHS pay rises.

June 2021

Protecting Retail Workers from Abuse

Selaine’s response:

This is an issue that I take incredibly seriously, and I am deeply concerned by cases of violence on the high street, particularly in retail premises. Those who work on the high street should be able to go about their work without fear of abuse and intimidation. Quite simply, retailers should not see abuse as part of the job.

It was a positive step forward when ministers announced a call for evidence to provide a greater understanding of the scale of the issue. In response to the call for evidence, the Government has recognised that there are issues that need to be dealt with, and I am encouraged by the Government's robust response. This includes working with the National Retail Crime Steering Group (NRCSG) on a best practice guide to support staff in reporting these crimes, strengthening and making full use of existing laws, and improving data sharing between businesses and the police.

I do appreciate the strength of feeling behind the calls for the Government to legislate in this area through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. However, I do not believe such a change is necessary. It is already the case that the Sentencing Council has set out guidelines in which it specifically refers to people such as retail workers in an important public service position, which means that the courts should be increasing sentences and finding aggravating factors where shop workers have been the victims of crime.

More broadly, I understand that police demand is changing and becoming increasingly complex and it is the first priority of government to protect the public. As such, the Government has a key responsibility to ensure Police and Crime Commissioners have the necessary funding to keep communities safe.

The clear commitment made by the Prime Minister to put more officers back on our streets is an important step forward. Boris Johnson made it clear in his first speech on the steps of Downing Street that making our streets safer is a key priority. You may be pleased to know that nearly 9,000 police officers have been recruited since the Government launched its 20,000 new officers by March 2023 recruitment drive.

I recognise that the violence and abuse that shop workers can face can have a significant impact, not only physically but mentally and emotionally, and we must ensure that all the action being taken enable shop workers to feel safer.

June 2021

NHS Pay

Selaine's response:

I would like to first be clear that NHS pay has not yet been finalised and we are at the beginning of the process, not the end. The NHS is one of the world’s largest employers and any pay change will have a significant financial impact, and I know that the matter has been of great focus and negotiation for my Ministerial colleagues.

The Government submitted evidence to the independent NHS pay review about what it considered was affordable. The unions have asked for 12% pay increases, and I believe that they know this is unaffordable and inappropriate in the financial circumstances. The Independent Pay Review Bodies will make recommendations in late Spring, when they will be considered by the Government, and I anticipate that the recommendation will come back somewhere in between the Union and the Government recommendations. While I appreciate that this is not precise, I cannot pre-empt what the Independent Pay Review bodies will decide.

I believe that the passion, commitment and specialist knowledge of our NHS staff is part of what makes our NHS exceptional. It has been a difficult year for us all, and I share my constituents’ strong feelings, good will and gratitude to those NHS workers who have worked bravely and tirelessly throughout the pandemic. I know that many of my MP colleagues and government Ministers share this gratitude and recognise the sacrifice, commitment and dedication of our NHS workers over the past year. While I believe it is important to honour this, the Covid-19 pandemic has had real consequences on public finances which cannot be ignored.

I have been assured that what the Government has tried to do with its recommendation for a 1% pay rise for NHS staff is to give NHS staff as much as it can at the present time. It is important to see this in the broader context: all but the lowest paid workers across the public sector have had their pay frozen for 2021/22. In addition, we should not forget that over 1 million NHS staff also continue to benefit from multi-year pay deals agreed with trade unions, including a pay rise of over 12% for newly qualified nurses, with the average nurse pay now £34,000 per year, and that junior doctors' pay has been increased by 8.2%.

I welcome the investment that the Government has already made in the NHS workforce, including £513m in professional development and increased recruitment, £30m on staff mental health support including wellbeing hubs and occupational health support, and the new bursary programme giving at least £5,000 each year to new nursing, midwifery, and Allied Health professional students. The Government has also led the way to ensure that we have all taken actions to protect the NHS through the national guidance and restrictions in the last 12 months.

(UPDATE)

The Government has already committed to a pay rise for NHS staff during 2021/22, in spite of the pay freeze in the wider public sector. While at this stage I am not aware whether a decision has been made about the date from which the pay rise will apply, I will of course continue to monitor this issue closely.

Those on the front line in the NHS and in care homes have made an invaluable contribution to the fight against Covid-19, and I have great admiration for those in these vital professions. While I understand that a one-off bonus has not been offered in England, I know that my colleagues in the Department of Health and Social Care are aware of the strong feeling about this matter.

April 2021

Fire and Rehire

Selaine’s response:

I am aware that there have been reports of several businesses and industry sectors considering making large numbers of staff redundant. I appreciate that many businesses have been significantly affected by the Covid-19 outbreak, including those operating in the hospitality, leisure, entertainment, culture, travel, retail and transport sectors, and I sympathise with anyone who is facing redundancy during the pandemic. Redundancy is never an easy process to go through, and it is important that those who have been made redundant are aware of their rights.

The Private Members’ Bill, introduced by Gavin Newlands MP, seeks to prevent businesses from adopting ‘fire and rehire’ tactics. Although I appreciate the strength of feeling which a small number of constituents have, I do not support the Bill, as ultimately terms and conditions of employment are a matter for employers and employees. Companies should behave responsibly, and employers threatening to fire and rehire as a negotiating tactic is completely unacceptable, but there is already recourse for those who feel they have been treated unfairly. If an employee feels they have been dismissed unfairly, they should first check their rights: https://www.gov.uk/redundancy-your-rights, before they consider taking their case to an employment tribunal.

While employers and employees must be given the flexibility to arrange the terms and conditions of employment, I expect all employers to treat their workers fairly and in the spirit of partnership. I strongly condemn the use of ‘fire and rehire’ as a negotiating tactic.

I would like to reassure you that I have, nonetheless, spoken to my ministerial colleagues to make sure they are aware of the concerns of employees. During this difficult time, it is only right that employers should act responsibly and therefore only use the Job Retention Scheme to protect jobs. I understand that the Government is urging employers not to use the Job Retention Scheme irresponsibly and thereby to make someone redundant on less favourable terms than they would otherwise have received.

I welcome that, to better understand the issues in relation to fire and rehire, the Government is working with the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS). As part of this, there have been a number of roundtables and discussions with businesses, employee representatives and other bodies to discuss the issues in more detail. This helped to build an evidence base which ACAS has presented to the Government. I understand that officials at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy are considering the options and next steps, and ministers will publish a report in due course. It is important that the Government continues to stand behind workers and to stop unscrupulous practices where they occur.

Each individual employee will face different circumstances, but there are a significant number of rules and processes that employers have to follow, and I would urge anyone facing redundancy to visit the Coronavirus page on this website. Information specifically relating to redundancy can be found here: https://www.selainesaxby.org.uk/redundancy-advice

With the Government's broader vision for adult skills in mind, wanting to reduce complexity in the adult skills landscape and recognising the need to work closely with a wide range of key stakeholders and experts, the National Retraining Scheme is being integrated into the National Skills Fund.

The National Retraining Scheme will no longer continue as a separate programme, but rather its work and learning will be rolled into the development of the National Skills Fund. This will be reflected in wider communications around the National Skills Fund and the broader offer for adult skills. It will include the conclusion of the trials of the Get Help to Retrain service, a digital platform that helped adults identify their existing skills as well as new training options.

April 2021

BT Restructuring

Selaine’s response:

I regret any loss of jobs in the UK as a result of redundancy, and I very much appreciate the efforts of BT staff to keep communication lines open during a period where many people have relied on them to work or learn from home.

I have been assured that my ministerial colleagues regularly engage with BT about a range of topics, including their UK workforce, at both the official and ministerial levels. Ultimately, BT is a private company and decisions about structure and employment are a matter for BT’s Board. I am encouraged that BT's approach is to minimise redundancies through natural attrition and to provide opportunities to re-skill and redeploy workers whenever possible.

Ministers are committed to boosting job creation, and the 'Plan for Jobs' announced during the Summer Economic Update makes up to £30 billion available with a clear goal to create, protect, and support jobs, and to spur the UK's recovery following Covid-19. The plan includes three main points: supporting people to find the jobs that are out there, creating new jobs through investing in our infrastructure and housing, and protecting jobs by revitalising the hard-hit sectors upon which many jobs depend.

April 2021

Ministerial Maternity Act

Selaine's response:

I appreciate the great strength of feeling on this issue, on both sides. The Government accepted an amendment in the House of Lords to Bill to call pregnant women 'mothers' and not 'people'. The overriding purpose of the Act is to ensure that ministers are able to benefit from maternity leave, on the same terms that Civil Servants and the Armed Forces are able to do.

Since 2007, when changes were introduced by the then-Labour Government, successive governments have sought to avoid gender-specific pronouns when drafting legislation. This has been to ensure that we do not assume only someone of a particular sex is able to do a particular job.

Notwithstanding, Ministers listened to the concerns and agreed that the amended wording was legally acceptable. I understand that different people have different concerns about the wording, and it is clear that however the wording is set, there are some who will feel it is wrong. However, I believe that the overarching focus should be that Ministers will benefit from maternity leave if they are entitled, regardless of how they identify or what gender specific wording is used.

March 2021

Legacy Benefits

Selaine's response:

The Government has put forward a clear commitment to supporting people through this challenging time, with unprecedented packages of support being rolled out for businesses and individuals alike. I welcome that additional support is being provided through the welfare system, representing an injection of around £9.3 billion.

As I understand it from discussions with colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions, the Government has delivered a suite of measures that can be quickly and effectively operationalised to benefit those facing the most financial disruption during the pandemic. It is important to remember that new claimants will generally be receiving Universal Credit (UC), and claimants on legacy benefits can make a claim for UC if they believe that they will be better off. There are special arrangements for those in receipt of the Severe Disability Premium, who are now able to make a claim to UC. However, claimants should check their eligibility before applying to Universal Credit, as legacy benefits will end when they submit their claim and they will not be able to return to them in the future.

It is important to add that those on legacy benefits may have benefitted from other support such as mortgage holidays and the income protection schemes. The increase in Local Housing Allowance rates benefits both Universal Credit claimants and legacy claimants in receipt of housing support. This significant investment cost almost £1 billion and ensures that more than 1 million households will see an increase, on average, of £600 per year. In addition to the extra support provided through UC and Working Tax Credit, the legacy benefits were increased by 1.7% in April 2020 following the announcement to end the benefit freeze.

February 2021

Terminal Illness

Selaine's response:

When someone is facing the end of their life is it vital they get the support they need quickly. That is why the Special Rules for Terminal Illness (SRTI) provide simple and fast access to benefits for people with a terminal illness or limited life expectancy. The SRTI allow claimants who are unlikely to live longer than 6 months to claim under a fast-tracked process without the requirement for waiting periods or a face-to-face assessment and in most cases, to receive the highest rate of award.

The following benefits allow claims to be made under the SRTI; Personal Independence Payment, Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit, Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance. A claim made under the SRTI is generally supported by a short form, completed by a hospital consultant, GP or specialist nurse.

I know supporting those nearing the end of their lives is a priority for the Government and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has conducted a wide ranging evaluation which considered the views of claimants and clinicians on how it supports those nearing the end of their lives. The evaluation covered three areas. Firstly, hearing directly from claimants and charities about their first-hand experiences. Secondly, considering international evidence to find out what works in other nations and the support they provide. Finally, reviewing current DWP performance to better understand how Special Rules for Terminal Illness process operates and performs.

Having spoken with colleagues at the DWP I understand that key themes arising from the evaluation include the desire to change the 6 month rule, the need to improve consistency with other services and the importance of raising awareness of the support that is available. I know that my colleagues at DWP and across government are committed to ensuring those nearing the end of their lives get the vital support they need and I will continue to follow this important matter closely.

February 2021

Employment Rights

Selaine's response:

Now that we have left the EU and taken back full control of our laws, the Government has been clear that there will be no reduction in workers’ rights. The Working Time Directive has been transposed into UK law through the Working Time Regulations 1998, and under the EU (Withdrawal) Act 2018 these and other Regulations have been retained.

The regulations provide that, subject to certain exceptions where the nature of the work makes it impractical, employees cannot work more than 48 hours a week averaged, normally, over a period of 17 weeks. It is possible for employees to opt out of this provision voluntarily and in writing, either indefinitely or for a specified period. Employers can request that an employee opts out but cannot terminate their employment or treat them unfairly if they decline.

Ultimately, the UK has one of the best records on workers’ rights in the world, going further than the EU in many areas, and I am determined to build on this progress.

February 2021

Scope Campaign for Disabled

Selaine's response:

It troubles me that so many people with disabilities feel forgotten during this crisis. As well as addressing this, we must ensure rights are not diminished, and look for opportunities to change things for the better, for good.

Having read the Scope report in detail, I learnt of much worthwhile work. As well as ensuring those who feel forgotten are aware of this work, we must look for gaps and further opportunities. I am aware that my ministerial colleagues are also aware of the report.

Regarding welfare, the Government acted quickly to suspend all face-to-face assessments for health and disability related benefits while also extending award periods, giving people peace of mind that their benefit payments would continue. I am encouraged that ministers are protecting the health of individuals claiming these benefits, many of whom are likely to be at greater risk of severe Covid-19 symptoms due to their pre-existing health conditions.

My view is that measures in the Coronavirus Act are temporary and proportionate to the threat we face. It is important that they will only be used when strictly necessary and will only be in place for as long as required to respond to the public health emergency. Local authorities are still expected to do as much as they can to comply with their duties to meet needs during this period, and the legislation does not remove the duty of care towards an individual's risk of serious neglect or harm. The legislation must not be used as cover for negating basic duties.

February 2021

Trades Union Congress Petition on Key Workers

Selaine's response:

“The Government is committed to supporting the lowest paid workers for their hard work and valuable contribution to the economy. The introduction of the National Living Wage (NLW) has delivered the fastest pay rise for the lowest earners in 20 years.

I am glad that the previous Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sajid Javid, pledged to raise the NLW further, to two-thirds of median earnings. This is expected to be £10.50 by 2024, making the UK the first major economy in the world to set such an ambition. This rise in the National Living Wage will be especially important for those whose incomes have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. I also look forward to seeing the recommendations for 2021’s minimum wage rates from the independent Low Pay Commission in the Autumn.

While not suitable for everyone, I believe that zero-hour contracts have a part to play in a modern, flexible labour market because, for a small proportion of the workforce, that may be the kind of contract that is right for them. Two-thirds of workers on these contracts do not want more hours.

However, it is important to make sure that those benefitting from the flexibility of these contracts are not exploited by unscrupulous employers and I welcome that action has been taken in this regard. In 2015, the Government legislated to ban exploitative zero hours arrangements meaning it is now illegal for employers to include exclusivity clauses in these contracts.”

September 2020

IR35 (Off payroll working rules)

Selaine's response:

The fair tax treatment of individuals working across the labour market is a well-established principle of the UK tax system. The off-payroll working rules are designed to ensure that where two people are working in the same way, but one is directly employed and one is working through a company, broadly the same amount of tax is paid. Without these rules there is nothing to prevent employers moving employees off-payroll simply to avoid paying employment taxes.

However, the cost of non-compliance with these rules is set to reach £1.3 billion per year by 2023/24 if not addressed. This is an unsustainable cost that is borne by taxpayers up and down the country. This reform will improve compliance by moving responsibility for determining whether the rules apply from a contractor’s limited company to their client. This is not a new tax but a transfer of responsibilities within the existing rules.

This reform has been in place in the public sector since 2017. Unless this reform is also introduced in the private sector, a disparity of treatment will continue, potentially leading to recruitment and retention difficulties in the public sector and unfairness for contractors working for public sector clients.

July 2020

Pregnancy & Maternity (Redundancy Protection) Bill:

Selaine's response:

I sympathise with anyone who have been made redundant or who is currently facing redundancy, particularly during this already challenging time. The Government is doing all it can to save as many jobs as possible but regrettably, it is not possible to save every job.

The Pregnancy & Maternity (Redundancy Protection) Private Members’ Bill, which failed to complete its passage in the previous Parliament, was re-introduced on 8 July 2020 by Mrs Maria Miller MP. I understand that the Bill seeks to further protect employees from being made redundant as a result of being pregnant or on maternity leave. I understand that its Second Reading is scheduled to be on 16 October and I look forward to hearing more on this important issue.

There are some circumstances in which an employee who is pregnant or on maternity could legally be made redundant, and these include if the businesses closes down either temporarily or permanently, if the business moves and the employee cannot get to the new premises, or if fewer employees are required for existing work.

However, the law is very clear, if an employee is made redundant because she is pregnant or on maternity leave, this is unfair dismissal and also pregnancy/maternity discrimination. If this is the case, an employee should check their rights online (https://www.gov.uk/redundancy-your-rights) and if necessary take their case forward to an employment tribunal.

July 2020

Impact of Coronavirus on Disabled People

Selaine's response

It troubles me that so many people with disabilities feel forgotten during this crisis. As well as addressing this, we must ensure rights are not eroded and also look for opportunities to improve things for good. I have brought Scope’s report to the attention of my colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions and the Government Equalities Office. As well as ensuring those who feel forgotten are aware of this, we must look for gaps and further opportunities.

Local authorities are providing support to those people on the National Shielding List in the form of essential grocery supplies and social contact. People who are shielding are also entitled to priority supermarket delivery slots and medicine delivery. The list is maintained by the National Shielding Service. If you are not on the list and think you should be, there are details on the gov.uk website advising you how to register (either online or by phone). You can also register via your local council website. This information is available at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable and on the NHS website here: https://digital.nhs.uk/coronavirus/shielded-patient-list.

Regarding welfare, the Government acted quickly to suspend all face-to-face assessments for health and disability-related benefits while also extending award periods, giving people peace of mind that their benefit payments would continue. I am encouraged that Ministers are protecting the health of individuals claiming these benefits, many of whom are likely to be at greater risk of severe coronavirus symptoms due to their pre-existing health conditions.

My view is that measures in the Coronavirus Act are temporary and proportionate to the threat we face. It is important that they will only be used when strictly necessary and will only be in place for as long as required to respond to the public health emergency. Local authorities will still be expected to do as much as they can to comply with their duties to meet needs during this period, and the legislation does not remove the duty of care towards an individual's risk of serious neglect or harm. The legislation must not be used as cover for negating basic duties.

June 2020

Keyworker Pay

Selaine's response:

I am incredibly grateful for the commitment and selflessness of key and public sector workers who have kept people safe and ensured vital services could continue over the last few months. Last year, a number of those working in the public sector received above inflation pay rises. This included most members of the armed forces who received a 2.9 per cent increase, teachers and school staff who received a 2.75 per cent rise and police officers at 2.5 per cent. This was the biggest public sector pay rise for six years.

Following constructive negotiations between NHS employers and trade unions, a new deal will see a 6.5 per cent pay rise over three years for one million NHS nurses, midwifes and other Agenda for Change workers. Those on the lowest salaries in the NHS will see some of the largest proportionate pay rises: the lowest NHS starting salary will increase year on year from £15,404 to £18,005 in 2020/2021. Many nurses and healthcare assistants will enjoy pay increases of at least 25 per cent.

I understand the argument for increasing public sector pay in recognition of public servants’ efforts, and I want to make it clear that there are no plans to freeze public sector pay, contrary to some media reports. Public sector pay is kept under constant review, and I will impress upon the Chancellor the need for the efforts of workers to be properly recognised.

June 2020

Diabetes in the Workplace

Selaine's response:

Protecting lives remains the main priority for the Government. Safety will always come first and that is why approximately 2.5 million have been asked to shield themselves, as they are most at risk of needing hospital treatment if they were to contract Covid-19. Clinically vulnerable people have been asked to follow the rules on social distancing particularly stringently.

If someone is shielding, which can be for various reasons including age or medical condition, their employer is expected to make every effort to enable them to work from home. If they are unable to work from home, they should discuss their options with their employer. It could be that an employer may be able to offer different types of leave, different working patterns or perhaps a different role.

There are several support schemes available to businesses who are struggling during this crisis, including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-employment Income Support Scheme. These schemes are designed to support both employers and employees and to protect jobs.

It is important to state that employees have protection against unfair dismissal and, if they believe they have been unfairly dismissed, which could possibly be on the grounds of discrimination, they should contact the Employment Tribunal. Further details can be found online at: https://www.gov.uk/employment-tribunals.

While businesses can only re-open in accordance with Covid-19 Secure guidelines, which does include a risk assessment, if someone has been advised to shield then they should continue to follow this medical advice.

June 2020

Face-to face Benefits Assessments

Selaine's response:

“I want to see as straightforward and sensitive an assessment process as possible. As a member of the DWP Select Committee, my role is to scrutinise processes such as face-to-face assessment, so I can assure you that this is something of which I am aware and which I will continue to follow closely.

I recognise that individuals with mental health conditions face particular challenges in the application and assessment process for benefits. Special provisions are in place to support people with a mental health condition in making a claim. For example, individuals may bring a relative, carer or friend to the assessment. I also understand that all health professionals carrying out disability assessments receive specific training in assessing mental health conditions.

The pauses to face-to-face assessments were brought in to safeguard the public and staff, and in recognition of the need for DWP staff to focus on the processing of new claims. I have been reassured by my colleagues in DWP that they are currently reviewing these measures in light of the latest public health advice and will confirm next steps as soon as possible.”

June 2020

British Airways

Selaine's response:

Thank you for contacting me about British Airways and COVID-19, and I do appreciate that this must be an uncertain and worrying time for British Airways staff and their families.

I would encourage airlines to make full use of the unprecedented support made available by the Government to assist with wages and financing. Support is on offer through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (which has now been extended until the end of October), the Time to Pay scheme, the Bank of England's Covid Corporate Financing Facility and other schemes.

The Government has also taken action to help airlines specifically in dealing with the financial pressures they are currently facing. For example, the UK voted in favour of giving airlines the ability to defer payment of charges for European air navigation services for February-May 2020, for 14 months. Given that in February alone the UK's ten largest airlines would have been expected to pay a total of £47.2 million for flights in European airspace, this deferral should go some way to help airlines manage their current financial burdens.

I know that the Government is also in regular contact with airlines, including British Airways. Rest assured that I am monitoring the situation very closely and listening to the views of those here in our constituency. I will convey the concerns fed back to me to my Ministerial colleagues.

May 2020

State Pension Overseas

Selaine's response:

The UK State Pension is payable worldwide and is uprated abroad where there is a legal requirement to do so. In some countries, however, there is no agreement with the UK for securing the social security rights of people moving between the two countries. As a result, pensioners who move to these countries still receive the State Pension but do not have their payments uprated as they would be for UK residents. The Department for Work and Pensions endeavours to make this clear to those thinking of moving abroad and publishes guidance on its website.

It has been and remains the policy of successive governments not to enter into new agreements with countries or territories where this would include up-rating pensions in order to contain the long-term cost of the UK social security system.

I appreciate that this response will be disappointing, but it represents the continuation of well-established policy.

May 2020