Stephen presses Chancellor on coronavirus, self-employed people and Universal Credit.

In the Economic Update in the House of Commons on 17 March, Stephen pressed Chancellor Rishi Sunak on coronavirus, self-employed people and Universal Credit.

Current rules mean that for someone who is self-employed, self-isolation means giving up their income. Applicants for Universal Credit have to wait five weeks for their first payment. If they need income sooner, they can only access a loan.

Stephen said: “I am pleased Ministers are drawing up an employment support package.  They need to make urgent changes to Universal Credit – including scrapping the five week wait – and announce their package very soon.”

Stephen voices support for affordable school uniforms

Stephen spoke in Parliament on Friday in support of Mike Amesbury’s Private Member’s Bill, which requires the government to publish statutory guidelines on how schools should design and implement a uniform policy. The bill passed unanimously onto its second reading today.

Charities such as the Children’s Society have found that school uniforms are often prohibitively expensive, costing on average £337 per year for a secondary school child and £315 per year for a primary school child, with 1 in 10 families reporting getting into debt trying to pay uniform costs. The bill intends to ensure that all uniforms are made affordable, by requiring that the government draft new statutory guidelines for all school uniform policy to ensure that schools prioritise cost and affordability.

Stephen commented afterwards:“I am delighted to see cross-party support for Mike’s Private Member's Bill to improve the affordability of school uniforms by requiring the Government to implement new statutory guidelines for all school uniform policy. I hope that the government will consider putting a top rate cap on the price of uniforms.

School Uniforms are an important part of a child’s education and help to engender a healthy sense of school pride and unity; this bill will ensure that this privilege is affordable for all.”

The bill has received both cross-party support from Labour, Liberal Democrat and Conservative backbenchers alongside the government. It has also received the support of over 20 notable organisations, such as The Children’s Society, CPAG and the Trussell Trust.

Stephen raises plight of leaseholders about cladding in House of Commons

In a statement by Secretary of State Robert Jenrick on Planning, in the House of Commons Chamber on 12 March, Stephen raised the issue of financial support for leaseholders in buildings with unsafe cladding.

A number of buildings in East Ham (notably the Lumiere Building, as well as buildings in Royal Docks) have the kind of cladding deemed unsafe after the Grenfell disaster.

Stephen said: “Many leaseholders in my constituency – and across the country – are living in blocks with unsafe cladding. Not only do they fear for their physical safety, but also about the prospect of footing the bill for remediation works.

I was pleased that the Secretary of State gave a robust commitment to making funds available for all unsafe materials in both the private and social sectors.”

Stephen raises Select Committee inquiry into Universal Credit five-week wait in Parliament

In the House of Commons Chamber on 9 March, during Department for Work and Pensions Questions, Stephen raised the upcoming Select Committee inquiry into the five-week wait in Universal Credit with Minister Will Quince.

Universal Credit has a “baked in” wait for the first payment. After completing all of the stages of their application, claimants must then wait for at least five weeks to receive their award.

A coalition of policy organisations and charities have concluded this five week wait should be reduced or eliminated, but exactly how is debated. The inquiry will hear from witnesses on the problems claimants experience during this wait, as well as what potential solutions might be.

Stephen said: “It’s now widely recognised that the lengthy wait for a first payment of Universal Credit is causing real difficulties for people—so it’s hugely welcome that the Minister is open to looking at how to fix it. The Committee wants to look carefully at all the possible solutions, and work out which are the most practical, affordable, and likely to make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.”

Individuals or organisations can submit evidence to the inquiry here.

Stephen speaks at Living Wage Foundation Reception

Last week, Stephen spoke at a reception in Parliament hosted by the London Living Wage Foundation.

The event brought together parliamentarians and employers to celebrate the achievements of the Living Wage campaign. It highlighted the 5 million people paid less than the real Living Wage or who struggle to find the hours they need to make ends meet.

At the event, representatives from leading Living Wage employers such as Aviva and Heathrow Airport discussed the benefits of accreditation.

Julie, a worker at Newcastle University, talked about the positive impact being paid a living wage had made on her life. Pupils from St Antony’s Catholic Primary School in Forest Gate movingly shared about the negative impact low wages had had on their parents, and performed their specially written living wage song.

Stephen said: ‘In East London, we have seen many successes with employers agreeing to pay the Living Wage, such as during the 2012 Olympics, and more recently, with the cleaners at London Stadium. I was pleased to support the Living Wage Foundation as it continues the vital work of tackling in-work poverty and unmanageable working hours’.

Since the start of its campaign, the Living Wage Foundation has put a milestone one billion pounds back into the pockets of working people, with 6000 employers now Living Wage accredited.

Stephen writes to DWP about coronavirus

As Chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee Stephen has written to the Department for Work and Pensions on the implications of the current outbreak of coronavirus.

The letter asks about DWP’s involvement in the Government’s Coronavirus Action Plan and the support available to people required to self-isolate.

Stephen said: “Minimising the harm to society from coronavirus will require a cross-government approach. With its staff delivering services to thousands of people every day, DWP has a vital part to play.

To contain the spread of the virus, it’s imperative that the department takes a flexible approach to its rules and enables people to follow public health guidance - especially people who are at risk of sanctions, or those in low paid and insecure jobs who simply can’t afford to take time off.

This situation is rapidly evolving – DWP needs to be ready to adapt, to ensure that no one has to make the invidious choice between financial hardship and putting themselves and others at risk.”

Stephen questions Minister over Indian Citizenship (Amendment) Act

Yesterday in Parliament in an Urgent Question on recent violence in India and the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Stephen questioned the Minister of State Nigel Adams about the Indian Government’s move from the constitutional commitment to equality irrespective of religion.

Stephen commented afterwards: “Yesterday in Parliament I expressed my sadness about the Government of India moving away in the Citizenship (Amendment) Act from the principle of equality, irrespective of religion, set out in India's constitution. 

The constitution has been admired around the world for that commitment, ever since it was drafted after independence under the leadership of Dr B R Ambedkar.  I believe that principle is just as important now as it was then.”

Stephen hosts Crisis reception

Last week, Stephen hosted a reception in Parliament on behalf of the charity Crisis.

The event provided Crisis with an opportunity to petition Parliamentarians to focus on the issue of homelessness. The event centred around the link between homelessness and domestic abuse. In 2018/19 99 households in Newham lost their homes due to domestic abuse. Crisis pressed members to ensure that the forthcoming Domestic Abuse Bill guaranteed that domestic abuse survivors were given a legal right to settled housing.

Stephen said: “I support the excellent work of Crisis. In 2018/19 1904 households received assistance form Newham Council for homelessness. This figure is far too high. A concerted effort needs to be made to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness. I will ask the Government to support measures that protect the homeless, including the repeal of the Vagrancy Act”.

Stephen hosts discussion on the Indian Citizen Amendment Act

Earlier this week, Stephen hosted a discussion in Parliament on India’s Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).

Opening the meeting, he paid tribute to the Indian Constitution drawn up after independence by Dr B R Ambedkar, and in particular to its commitment to equality irrespective of religious faith.  

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act was passed in December.  It identifies residents of India, originally from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, previously regarded as illegal migrants, who can now obtain Indian citizenship unless they are Muslims.  Stephen expressed sadness at this move away from the constitution’s commitment to equality, and sympathy for the fears of many in India about where this could lead.

Participation in the well-attended meeting was organised by Indian Muslim Association (UK), founded in 1969.  The organisation’s President, Shamsu Agha, spoke after Stephen.

Other Members of Parliament from three political parties also attended the meeting: Jon Cryer, Sam Tarry, Mohammed Yasin, Lyn Brown, Jim Shannon and Mark Logan.  Unmesh Desai, Member of the London Assembly, also attended and spoke.

The discussion focused on the impact of the CAA on democracy and human rights in India. Many spoke of the potentially dangerous consequences of the Act, in dividing a historically secular and inclusive country on the basis ofreligion.

Speaking after the event, Stephen said “I support those who have expressed alarm about the CAA. I admire the democratic, secular values on which India’s success has been built.  This act puts them under threat. We are seeing campaigners from all faith backgrounds and ethnic groups taking a stand against the alienation of large swathes of the population."

Stephen has written to the Foreign Secretary asking what response the British Government is making; and to the Indian High Commissioner requesting a meeting.

Stephen hosts Third Space Reception in Parliament

Stephen has hosted a reception in Parliament celebrating the tenth birthday of Third Space Ministries. The charity, in partnership with local churches, facilitates chaplaincy work in the leisure industry.

Stephen praised the organisation for its work and encourages Parliamentarians to celebrate the work that faith communities do.

A video, commissioned for the 10th anniversary year was launched which tells the story of how the organisation has grown, with input from the current staff team and volunteers. A new campaign was also launched to raise £10,000 in 10 months to help fund future initiatives.

Speaking afterwards, Stephen said: “I was delighted to welcome Third Space Ministries to Parliament as they embark on their 10th anniversary year.

“Hearing stories of their work on the front line was hugely inspiring and I'm humbled by the passion and faith which motivates those staff and volunteers to serve whether it's at Wimbledon, Soho or in the DJ industry.

“It's important that we continue to make sure Parliamentarians hear of the huge contribution that faith communities bring to supporting those others write off."

Stephen presses Minister on online weapons sales

In a debate on Online Harms Legislation in the House of Commons Chamber on Thursday 13 February, Stephen asked Matt Warman, Minister for Digital and Broadband, about the problem of unlawful weapons being freely available to buy online.

Stephen – who last year sat on the Offensive Weapons Bill Committee – has taken a particular interest in the legislation to tackle online harms, and its potential role in regulating the sale of illegal weapons online.

Stephen said: “Last week, I asked the Minister if the new laws planned to tackle ‘online harms’ would block the ability of criminals to buy illegal weapons online.  I was hoping his answer would be ‘Yes’.  Unfortunately, it wasn’t.  I shall keep a close eye on this.  Online sales are a big source of the illegal weapons being used by gangs in the UK, and they need to be tackled.”

Stephen hosts St Paul’s Cathedral service for London’s homeless nightshelters

On 12 February, Stephen hosted a service at St Paul’s Cathedral, in collaboration with the charity Housing Justice, in thanksgiving for the work of homeless night shelters in response to the rise in rough sleeping in London.

The service brought together hundreds of night shelter volunteers, guests and those simply wishing to celebrate these shelters.

The congregation heard beautiful choral music, honest and powerful testimonies from the shelters, and a reflection from Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton and Chair of Housing Justice. The Shadow Housing Minister John Healey was in attendance.

Stephen said: ‘Church-based homeless nightshelters are an astonishing response to the homelessness crisis. It was hugely important to be able to commemorate them.’

145 projects in the Housing Justice Winter Night Shelter Network provide more than 2000 emergency beds and welcome approximately 6000 guests each winter, making the network the largest provider of emergency accommodation in the country. There is now a shelter in every London borough.

Stephen highlights Lumiere Building in leaseholders and cladding debate

Stephen has highlighted the case of the Lumiere Building on Wednesday 12 February in a Westminster Hall Debate on Leaseholders and Cladding led by Hilary Benn.

During the debate, MPs demanded the government foot the bill to bail out leaseholders caught in the post-Grenfell fire safety crisis. In line with recommendations from sector experts, Stephen pressed for government’s funding to be extended to cover other forms of dangerous non-ACM cladding and insulation.

Leaseholders in the Lumiere Building in Manor Park, as well as in other blocks in the constituency, have spoken of their anxiety about living in an unsafe building, as well as the challenge of selling or remortgaging their homes.

Stephen said: “I raised the Lumiere Building - just one of those in East Ham affected - in the important debate on cladding and leaseholders. Government needs to address all types of unsafe cladding, not just ACM.”

Stephen presses the Immigration Minister on the deportation flight to Jamaica

In an Urgent Question on 10 February in the House of Commons Chamber Stephen pressed Immigration Minister Kevin Foster on how many people were booked on the deportation flight to Jamaica, and how many had been in the UK since childhood.

Stephen commented: “I cannot see how the Government can justify deporting people who have lived in the UK since childhood.  It is deeply worrying that the Government appears to have adopted a dismissive attitude to this issue.  Further deportations should be stopped until the Windrush lessons learned review is published.”

Stephen speaks in Benefits Up-rating debate

Stephen spoke in Monday’s debate in Parliament on the draft Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2020. This order marks the first time in years benefits are being uprated in line with inflation. Stephen welcomed this increase, but raised concerns about the impact of the benefits freeze.

Stephen highlighted recent research from Citizens Advice on the number of people they help with no money left at the end of the month once they have covered living costs.

He commended the proposal made by the Work and Pensions Select Committee last July for benefits to be uprated at CPI plus 2%.

Stephen said: ‘The freeze has made life very difficult indeed for those who depend on benefits. We are seeing enormous numbers resorting to foodbanks, people sleeping rough in Westminster tube station; and child poverty going through the roof. I would ask the Government to look again at the Select Committee’s recommendations.’

Stephen attends launch of Decarbonisation Road-Map

Stephen attended the launch of Sustainable Aviation’s Decarbonisation Road-Map in Parliament on Tuesday 4 February.

The event marked members of the UK Sustainable Aviation coalition uniting behind a commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with UK Government targets.

The Road-Map sets out exactly where reductions can come from, including through smarter flight operations, new aircraft and engine technology, modernising UK airspace and the use of sustainable aviation fuels.

Stephen said: ‘I welcome this commitment from the UK aviation industry, highlighting the importance of innovative future technologies in enabling the sector to reach net-zero emissions. I hope it will prompt a lively debate, including about the growth of air traffic in the next few decades.’

Stephen condemns surge in suicides among benefit claimants

A report undertaken by the National Audit Office (NAO) has found that ministers have investigated 69 suicides of benefit claimants since 2014‑15, of which 21 – nearly a third – were completed between April and November last year.

It states that it was "highly unlikely’ that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) investigates all such cases, and that ministers had no idea whether lessons from the reviews were ever implemented.

The report, was carried out after the DWP admitted it did not record the number of benefit claimants who have ended their life by suicide. The true number of self-inflicted deaths by benefit claimants is unknown, and could be higher than the figures quoted in the NAO report.

Stephen said the NAO’s findings exposed “significant weaknesses” in the way the DWP learnt lessons from suicides among people it serves.

He added: “The NAO’s finding that it is ‘highly unlikely’ that DWP investigates all such cases is cause for serious concern. Even where it does try to learn lessons, it doesn’t check to see whether recommendations from its own investigations have been put in place, or if there are any trends or systemic issues that could be identified.”

Stephen attends St Mungo's reception

Last week, Stephen attended a Parliamentary reception on homelessness, hosted by St Mungo’s, to discuss how the Government can put an end to rough sleeping. 

Since 2010 the number of people sleeping on the streets has more than doubled. St Mungo’s have recently found that Government cuts have left local services for single homeless people with a £1 billion annual funding gap. They are committed to stopping homelessness in its tracks and, for fifty years, have sent outreach teams to provide food and shelter for those who need it. 

Speaking after the event, Stephen said: “These figures are a direct result of a decade of failure on housing which has seen a steep drop in investment for new affordable homes; cuts to housing benefit; soaring rents in the private rented sector; and reductions in funding for local homelessness services.”

“The Government need to take urgent action to put an end to rough sleeping for good by 2024.”

Stephen joins Samaritans in Parliament to celebrate Brew Monday

Stephen joined Samaritans for a cup of tea in Parliament last week to hear about Samaritans’ suicide prevention work, and receive tips on how people can become better listeners. 

The reception was part of Samaritans’ ‘Brew Monday’ fundraising initiative, encouraging supporters to come together over a cup of tea throughout February.

Stephen commented afterwards: ‘I was delighted to be able to join Samaritans last week, and I pay tribute to their work in suicide prevention. Their work and expertise is vital in a context where last year figures showed the UK suicide rate had hit a 16-year high.’

Stephen elected DWP Select Committee Chair

Stephen has been elected Chair of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Select Committee.

His appointment was announced by the Speaker yesterday (29 January) following a ballot of MPs. He takes the role after Frank Field lost his seat of Birkenhead in the General Election.

The role will involve scrutiny of DWP on key issues such as the rollout of Universal Credit, the pensions dashboard, and support for disabled people.

Stephen brings to the role extensive experience of the social security system, having held ministerial roles in disability benefits, pensions and employment. As Shadow Work and Pensions minister in 2010-15, Stephen led Labour’s opposition team on the bill which set up Universal Credit.

Commenting afterwards, Stephen said: ‘It is a huge privilege to be elected Chair. The Committee has a great deal on its plate. We will play a constructive role, particularly in ensuring—as MPs across the House intend—that our constituents’ experience of Universal Credit is taken fully into account as rollout proceeds.’