Stephen supports action to protect low-income families

Stephen has joined experts and frontline practitioners from the charity, Action for Children, to launch a report revealing how many families have found themselves struggling virtually overnight during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Action for Children’s latest research uncovers how the pandemic has worsened household finances for many families. Through their Coronavirus Emergency Fund, the charity has supported over 10,000 children and young people living in more than 4,800 families around the UK during the outbreak, spending over £500,000 on essentials such as food, domestic bills and educational resources.

Over a third of households seeking support from the charity’s Emergency Fund have experienced financial pressures as a result of the increased costs associated with having had the whole family at home full-time, while two-fifths had to ask for help to afford food.

Stephen heard from key workers on the frontline about their experiences of helping children, young people and families throughout the pandemic, and pledged to support Action for Children’s efforts to ensure low-income families with children are protected from the financial impacts of coronavirus.

Speaking afterwards, Stephen said: “The impact that the coronavirus outbreak has had on low-income families with children is a huge concern, and one that will be amplified by winter and the prospect of a second wave.

“I am grateful for the support offered by charities like Action for Children, helping many families with the basics throughout the crisis and preventing children from being scarred by the pandemic.

“But it is clear that we need to do more to improve the financial assistance available to families facing difficulties, both now and in the longer-term, and I support action to make sure that help is available where it is needed.”

Stephen discusses options for preventing a second wave of unemployment

Earlier today, Stephen joined the Learning and Work Institute to discuss the end of the furlough scheme.

ONS employment data for July, indicates that three million workers were still receiving support from the Job Retention Scheme. Despite the headline figures for unemployment not altering dramatically, there are clear indicators that once the furlough scheme ends, unemployment could rise significantly.

In his contribution, Stephen highlighted the immediate need for the Chancellor to address this large economic challenge. Although supportive of the Kickstart Scheme, Stephen called on Minsiters to do more by ensuring there are “opportunity guarantees” for young people.

Speaking about the government’s response, Stephen said “It takes months for schemes to get into their stride once they are launched. We need an order of magnitude step-up from what [schemes have] come before and we need them to be established soon.”

The Learning and Work Institute Report “When furlough has to stop – next steps to avert long-term unemployment” can be found here.

Stephen asks about Universal Credit and foodbank demand following National Audit Office recommendations

At the Department for Work and Pensions Questions on Monday 14 September, Stephen Timms questioned Minister for Welfare Delivery, Will Quince, about Universal Credit and foodbank demand.

The question came after the National Audit Office told the Work and Pensions Select Committee that the "sophisticated analysis" of the Trussell Trust has "established an association" between the roll-out of Universal Credit and rising foodbank demand.

Stephen said afterwards: ‘I hope now that the Government will commission research, as the National Audit Office has recommended, into the impact of universal credit on food bank demand.’

Stephen calls on PM to take responsibility for exams fiasco

Last week MPs debated the personal role and involvement of the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Education in the summer’s exams fiasco.

A motion was passed calling for the publication of all documents relating to the awarding of A level grades this year, following the cancellation of exams due to the pandemic. A-level students were initially awarded grades by Ofqual, which were calculated using an algorithm that took into account the past performance of individual schools. It was soon discovered that the system was deeply flawed and a credible appeals process had not been put in place. Ofqual have since admitted it was a “fundamental mistake” to release these grades and said tweaks to the algorithm would not have helped.

Stephen wrote to the Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, last month asking the Government to return to teacher assessment grades. He therefore welcomed the U-turn announced the following week. Students were subsequently allocated Centre Assessed Grades - 40% of which were higher. However, by this point many had lost their place at the University they had chosen. At the Opposition Day Debate, Kate Green, the shadow Education Secretary, said “It is a sign of the Prime Minister and Education Secretary’s serial incompetence that they are now running scared from transparency and scrutiny. Having failed young people and their families once with their shambolic handling of exams, they have now failed to be honest and transparent about their mistakes so that we can ensure they are not repeated.”

Speaking after the vote, Stephen said: “Whilst allocating results for exams which have not been sat was always going to be difficult, the Government had plenty of time to prepare for results day. The Prime Minister must take responsibility for the mistakes that were made and establish a clear plan to ensure A level students are not in this same position next year. No student should be worse off because of Government failure.”

Stephen calls for legal protections for tenants

Families in rented accommodation are still facing an uncertain future after it was announced that a ban on evictions will not be extended beyond the middle of the this month.

A nationwide ban was ban on evictions was introduced at the start of lockdown. It was due to end on 23 August, but the Government announced an extension two days before it came to an end.

This last-minute decision created turmoil for families who have had to twice prepare for upcoming evictions. Some will have taken out a loan to afford a deposit for a new tenancy, whilst others will have been forced to relocate to an entirely new area, uprooting their lives and leaving their support network behind.

The eviction ban will now be lifted on 20 September. Crucially, no protective legislation has been announced. The Opposition has called for legal changes to be brought forward to protect renters. These calls have been ignored and the Government Deputy Chief Whip has confirmed there will be no Parliamentary time next week for MPs to debate the evictions ban.

Thangam Debbonaire, the Shadow Housing Secretary, said “The Government’s chaotic handling of the evictions crisis has thrown renters and landlords into confusion. Labour has been saying for months that the Government needs a credible plan to prevent a dramatic rise in homelessness when the ban on evictions is lifted. As things stand, we are facing the same cliff edge next week that the Government narrowly avoided at the end of August.”

Back in March, the Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, said “…no renter who has lost income due to coronavirus will be forced out of their home.” However, Shelter now estimates that 230,000 renters are at risk of a Covid-19 eviction. 174,000 tenants have already been threatened with eviction by their landlord.

Stephen said “The Government must stick to their promise that no one would be forced out of their homes due to the pandemic. They must introduce urgent legal changes before the lifting of the eviction ban next week. Should they fail to do so, I am concerned that we will see increased levels of homelessness in East Ham and beyond.”

Stephen questions top Home Office official about 'TOEIC' English language tests

At a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee on Thursday, Stephen questioned Home Office Permanent Secretary Matthew Rycroft about the TOEIC English language testing scandal. It comes a year after the Public Accounts Committee first held a hearing on this matter following a National Audit Office report criticising the Home Office’s response.

Matthew Rycroft, the department’s permanent secretary, said he agreed that the Home Office should have taken a “more vigorous” approach to protecting those wrongly caught up in the process. But when asked by Stephen whether these individuals would have the opportunity to have their cases reviewed, Mr Rycroft said: “The Home Office decided not to set up a set of reviews like that, but as I’ve said there is a legal route open to anyone in that category.”

Stephen commented afterwards: “The English language test scandal is Windrush all over again.

"The permanent secretary appeared to agree with me that there should be a mechanism for innocent students to clear their names.  But the only route is through the courts.  The costs are immense.  Most students who have done it pay £10,000 to £15,000 – and they are not allowed to work.

"I welcome the Home Secretary’s commitment to implement all of the Windrush Lessons Learned recommendations. But the lessons are being ignored in handling the language testing scandal.  As in Windrush, there is a complete failure to engage beyond individual cases.

"Learning the lessons from Windrush would mean creating a mechanism for innocent students to clear their names.”

Stephen presses Minister on Kickstart scheme

Stephen asked about the government's newly launched ‘Kickstart’ employment scheme for young people in an Urgent Question in the Commons Chamber on Thursday 3rd September.

He asked about the role for charities in the scheme, how disabled young people will be helped to access the scheme, and about data collection to ensure robust evaluation.

Stephen said: 'Tory scrapping of the Future Jobs Fund in 2011 was a terrible blow to young people. In 2012, they published an evaluation proving it did a great job. I'm pleased its coming back (with a different name). This Government needs to make the most of it, as the Labour Government did.'

Stephen welcomes A-Level u-turn

Stephen has welcomed a u-turn by Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, that A-level and GCSE students in East Ham will be given grades estimated by their teachers, rather than by an algorithm.

Headteachers across Newham, reported that over 40% of A-level results were downgraded by exams regulator Ofqual, which used a formula based on schools' prior grades.

Speaking about the u-turn, Stephen said “The Government has had months to sort out exams and has now been forced into a screeching U-turn after days of confusion. It has - in short - been a complete shambles.”

Stephen wrote to Gavin Williamson over the weekend urging him to allow pupils to use their centre assessed grades for GCSE and A-level results this year. The letter can be read here.

Data reveals exponential increase in migrant families with no access to welfare safety net forced into destitution

A new Home Office data release has revealed an exponential increase in applications to have the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) condition lifted during the coronavirus pandemic.

In the second quarter of 2020 (from April to June) there were 5,665 applications to have the NRPF condition lifted, compared to 914 in the same period last year – an increase of 519.8%. The figure represents an 572% increase on the first quarter of 2020 (843 applications).

This increase reflects reports from charities and sector experts that thousands of No Recourse families are facing destitution during the coronavirus pandemic.

The data release also revealed that it took the Home Office an average of 30 days to decide on these applications – for which the requirement is destitution, imminent risk of destitution, or where there are particularly compelling reasons relating to the welfare of a child - in this period.

The proportion of people successful in their application – 89% - was the highest since records were made available in 2017, reflecting the high numbers in abject poverty.

The data was published after the Rt Hon. Stephen Timms MP raised concerns with the UK Statistics Authority about the lack of meaningful response from the Home Office to MPs’ Parliamentary Questions on the policy. In response, the UK Statistics Authority criticised the Home Office for giving “confusing and unclear” reasons for refusing to reveal how many migrants have the condition.

Daniel Shaw, the Home Office Head of Profession for Statistics for the Home Office recognised in his response that: ‘There is a clear public interest in NRPF with regards to the numbers of individuals where the policy has prevented access to public funds if this subsequently were to give rise to hardship.’

Rt Hon. Stephen Timms MP, Chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, commented: ‘This data puts into stark relief what we already know – that during the pandemic thousands of families without a safety net are being forced into destitution. This is an exceptional situation which demands an exceptional response. The NRPF condition must be lifted for the duration of the pandemic.’

During the pandemic, those with NRPF - which bars migrants from accessing ‘public funds’ – most mainstream benefits and welfare support - have faced particular hardship. Many are unable to access the Job Retention and Self Employment Schemes: they have been made redundant, have been working in the cash economy, or have significantly reduced hours or income. They are barred from accessing social security, so have no safety net. Many have been forced to disobey public health guidance in to obtain an income. Many are struggling to pay rent and bills, and are force to access foodbanks in order to provide for their families.

Stephen urges Ministers to reconsider its decision to suspend free travel for under-18s

Stephen has written to the Minister for Transport, Grant Shapps MP, to ask the Government to reconsider suspending free travel in London for under 18-year olds.

The public have been encouraged to find alternative methods to public transport due to Covid-19. Furthermore, social distancing rules have lowered the capacity of public transport by 15-20% of normal levels. Consequently, Transport for London’s finances have been forced into a precarious position. Fare income, the main source of its revenue, have fallen by 90% during lockdown.

On 14 May, it was announced that Transport for London and the Department for Transport have agreed a £1.6bn lockdown bailout. One of the conditions is to suspend the subsidy which provides free travel for under-18s. The cited reason for this decision is “demand management” due to the social distancing rules.

This policy will disproportionately impact poorer children. Given that over half of children in Newham are living in poverty, this will undoubtedly impact East Ham significantly. Stephen noted that “the Children’s Commissioner for England has already spoken of her fears that this could become “a lost generation” of children, yet the Government are pursuing policies which directly impact the poorest most. Although I understand the necessity for demand management, I believe that alternative policies can be implemented that won’t have a detrimental impact on the most vulnerable in our society. ”

Stephen’s letter calls on the Transport Secretary to examine different policies which could result in the reduced demand objective. You can read the letter here.

Stephen presses Home Secretary for action on Toeic and No Recourse to Public Funds

In a statement today 21 July, on progress following the Windrush Lessons Learned Review, Stephen questioned Home Secretary Priti Patel about the Toeic English language testing scandal and those forced into destitution by the No Recourse to Public Funds policy.

Stephen commented afterwards: ‘I welcome the Home Secretary’s commitment to act on the recommendations of the Windrush report and review the hostile environment policy. However, I was disappointed by her response to my question. This commitment will be superficial without swift action on policy failures.

In 2014, the Home Office falsely accused thousands of international students of cheating on the ‘Toeic’ English language test. Over 30,000 students had their visas cancelled and were thrown off their courses, with no chance to appeal. Some were detained and deported. They are not permitted to study or work in the UK, and the lives of many have been ruined. The Home Secretary continues to suggest I raise individual cases with ministers. But this is not an issue with individual cases of wrong, but a systemic injustice which needs a policy solution.

Today the Home Secretary also expressed her commitment to open up the Home Office to scrutiny. I agree with her that policy and decision-making must be ‘vigorously examined’. I hope the Home Office will therefore now release the data on No Recourse to Public Funds that I and other MPs have been asking for for months.’

Launch of new research on partnerships between faith groups and local authorities

The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Faith and Society is charting the changing relationships between local authorities and faith groups in responding to the impacts of coronavirus through a research project being undertaken by the Faiths & Civil Society Unit at Goldsmiths, University of London.

During the coronavirus pandemic, local authorities seem to have turned to – and indeed relied on – churches and faith groups in new ways. In some cases this builds upon pre-existing relationships. In others it perhaps reflects a new openness to collaboration, in contrast to previous hesitance to work with faith groups.

Photograph: Lakmini Shah

Chair of the All-Party Group for Faith and Society, Stephen Timms MP said: “Since 2012, the APPG has been encouraging collaboration between local councils and faith groups, and working to overcome the mistrust which can sometimes mark their relationships. And now, with the crisis engulfing everyone, it finally seems to be happening. Faith groups have a key role at the heart of communities up and down the country, and the pandemic seems to be highlighting just how significant a contribution they make to our society.

“Many Councils have turned to churches, and to other faith groups, to help, particularly to provide food to people who would otherwise go without. The anecdotal evidence suggests these partnerships have suddenly become very widespread and are playing a crucial role in getting vital help to families. This report will shine a light on them.”

Professor Chris Baker, Director of the Faith and Civil Society Unit at Goldsmiths, University of London said: “It is likely that our society will look very different in the future and faith groups will have a critical role which is why this piece of research is so important.

“We hope to provide a set of recommendations that will inform the development of new collaborations – whilst enhancing the effectiveness of existing ones – reflecting the importance of these relationships in the months and years to come.”

The study will be led by Professors Adam Dinham and Chris Baker of Goldsmiths, University of London. Through a large scale survey of local authority leaders, together with interviews with local authority and faith group representatives, the research will explore the extent and nature of new relationships between local authorities and faith groups. In addition, it will investigate how and why these relationships have come about, how they have worked in practice, and what their implications might be for local authorities, communities, and faith groups themselves.

The final report will be published in October and will recommend ways in which local authorities and faith based organisations can continue to work together effectively in the future.

The research is being made possible by funding from the Sir Halley Stewart Trust, and the project is being supported by the Trussell Trust and the Good Faith Partnership.

Note to editors:

• The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Faith and Society was launched in 2012 with FaithAction acting as the Secretariat. The APPG’s aims are to highlight the contribution to society by faith-based organisations, to identify best practice, and to promote understanding of the groups providing innovative solutions around the country.

• The Trussell Trust supports a UK-wide network of 1,200 food bank centres and together they provide emergency food and support to people locked in poverty, and campaign for change to end the need for food banks in the UK.

• The Good Faith Partnership is a social consultancy that helps different sectors work better together on common aims. They have worked extensively on issues of collaboration between faith-based organisations and secular groups, including a recent report with the think tank Demos.  

• The Faiths and Civil Society Unit at Goldsmiths, University of London is a centre of excellence, linking research, policy and practice in the field of faith-based social action in the UK, Europe, North America and Australia.

Stephen urges government to support theatre industry

Stephen has written to the Chancellor pressing the Government to put in place urgent measures to support the theatre industry during the Covid-19 crisis.

The creative sector has undoubtedly been one of the hardest hit by Covid-19. Due to the difficulty of operating in line with social distancing measures, the performing arts sector will be one of the last to fully reopen and thousands in East Ham and beyond now face unemployment. This also has implications for local businesses, such as bars, restaurants and hotels, who rely on theatre-goers to keep their doors open.

At the start of July, Stephen wrote to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, highlighting the impact Covid-19 has had on the arts and the sector’s desperate need of Government support. He asked for urgent supportive measures to be put in place. You can read the full letter here.

A few days later, on 5 July, the Government finally announced a support package of £1.57 billion for the arts. However, several believe this has been implemented too late, as many theatres have already announced redundancies. Many also argue that the funding is simply not enough to support an industry which, in 2018, contributed £111.7 billion to the UK economy.

Speaking after the Government’s announcement, Stephen said “whilst I warmly welcome the funding package for the arts sector, I fear it will not be enough to save the hundreds of theatres, venues and galleries who claim to be on the brink of collapse. The Government must provide assurance that the theatre industry can reopen as soon as possible and put in place additional support for this important sector.”

You can read the letter here.

Stephen argues: access to public funds for victims of domestic abuse

In the Third Reading of the Domestic Abuse Bill on 6 July 2020, Stephen spoke in favour of New Clause 22, an amendment which would have ensured all victims - regardless of immigration status - get the vital support and services they need to escape abuse.

Currently, the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) restriction severely hinders their ability of victims to access life-saving refuge, support and other welfare. Research by Women’s Aid has found that only 5.8% of refuge vacancies in England in 2018-19 could accept a woman with No Recourse to Public Funds.

MPs voted against New Clause 22 by 330 to 207 votes.

Stephen attends climate change mass lobby

Stephen has joined a group of constituents who had organised to meet him as part of the Climate Coalition’s ‘The Time is Now’ mass lobby which calls for a green economic recovery from Coronavirus.

Across the country, hundreds of people met virtually with their Members of Parliament to draw attention to this important issue. East Ham residents brought their questions and ideas about renewable energy, recycling and environmental education.

Speaking to the residents, Stephen said: “I welcome the Climate Coalition’s mass lobby, because the more people that are speaking out about the importance of looking after the planet, the better our future will be. The Coronavirus pandemic has certainly led to policy decisions that we would previously have thought to be impossible becoming possible. I hope we can learn from this to ensure that the economic recovery the country now faces is low-carbon, high growth and ensures the protection of the environment.”

Newham MPs call for action amidst cladding delays

Stephen has signed a letter with West Ham MP, Lyn Brown, to the Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick expressing their concerns about ongoing cladding issues in the borough.

The letter was written in response to a recent finding that around 2,000 buildings remain covered with flammable cladding, three years on from Grenfell. Both MPs highlight that Newham has many buildings that are deemed “high risk”, before voicing their residents’ frustration at the “slow pace of government support”.

Stephen and Lyn pointed to a worrying situation at Lumiere Building in Forest Gate: “A report previously found that five different types of cladding used on its exterior — including Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) — did not conform to building regulations. “It will cost around £30,000 per leaseholder for the removal and replacement of the cladding. A planning application has been made for the remedial works, but this has been delayed due to Covid-19.”

Such delays could prove fatal, as evidenced by the recent fire at Ferrier Point in Canning Town, in which 100 people were evacuated.

The MPs have asked the Housing Secretary for a meeting to discuss these issues, without delay.

To read the letter, click here.

Stephen asks Prime Minister to raise legacy benefit levels

At Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday 1 July, Stephen asked Prime Minister Boris Johnson to raise levels of 'legacy' benefits to match Universal Credit.

Levels of Universal Credit were raised at the start of the coronavirus crisis but the older legacy benefits have not been raised to match.

Last week, in a report on DWP’s response to the crisis, the cross-party Work and Pensions Select Committee unanimously recommended they be increased.

Stephen said: “The Government – rightly – increased Universal Credit at the start of the crisis. It’s now time to redress the imbalance and increase legacy benefits too. People shouldn't get less help just because they haven't been moved to Universal Credit yet.”

Stephen supports Crisis 'Home For All' campaign

On Tuesday 30 June, Stephen attended the launch of Crisis’ campaign launch ‘Home For All’, which is calling on the Government to ensure no-one is left without a safe & secure home as COVID-19 emergency measures ease.

The event heard from APPG for Homelessness Chair Bob Blackman MP, Crisis CEO Jon Sparkes, frontline organisations and those with lived experience of homelessness.

Speakers highlighted the current watershed moment for the Government’s aim to end rough sleeping. More broadly, they urged the suspension of the No Recourse to Public Funds restriction, and the need to build more social homes.

Stephen commented afterwards: ‘I was delighted to join the Crisis launch.  We saw a remarkable effort from local authorities at the start of the coronavirus crisis to house rough sleepers.  Now we are at a critical juncture.  The Government has announced it wants to end homelessness. I support Crisis’ call for the Government to bring forward emergency legislation to ensure everyone a safe and secure home in this pandemic. The government should invest in social rented homes, and suspend the No Recourse to Public Funds restriction – which forces people into destitution and homelessness.’

Stephen attends National Prayer Breakfast

On Thursday, Stephen attended the National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast.

Each year, 700 parliamentarians and church leaders gather in Westminster to pray for the country, at an annual breakfast held by Christians in Parliament. The event is an opportunity to celebrate the church’s contribution to local communities and to recognise the role that Christian faith plays in the life of our nation.

Due to the outbreak of Covid-19, the event was held online this year, which meant many more were able to join. Over 3,000 people gathered virtually in their homes to pray for the ongoing pandemic, our leaders as they navigate the country during this time, and the vulnerable in our society who have been most affected.

At the breakfast, both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition expressed their gratitude to faith groups who are generously serving their communities, and Bishop Graham gave a powerful message on the vital initiatives being taken by churches in the face of recent events, including Covid-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement. Musicians also came together to sing Amazing Grace – a hymn that has become a symbol of hope and peace during the pandemic.

Speaking afterwards, Stephen said “I was delighted to see such a huge interest in the breakfast and am pleased that the difficult decision to move the event online this year meant that thousands more were able to join in with the prayers and worship. This certainly reflects the gratitude towards churches during this time, as they serve in all varieties of ways.”

Stephen asks Urgent Question on Universal Credit rules court case

On Thursday 25th June, Stephen brought an Urgent Question following a Court of Appeal judgement on Monday which found Universal Credit rules 'irrational' and the DWP's failure to fix the issue "unlawful".

In January 2019, the High Court ruled in favour of four women who argued that the Universal Credit regulations did not take into account the fact that pay dates for monthly salaries can fluctuate (due to weekends or bank holidays).

The Universal Credit assessment period runs from the last day of each month to the penultimate day of the following month. Therefore, if an employee is paid a day earlier, they are judged to have earned double in one month and nothing in the next month, meaning their benefits can fluctuate severely. The women involved in the case reported being in rent arrears, being unable to pay council tax, and having to use foodbanks.

Yesterday, the Court of Appeal dismissed the Department of Work and Pensions' (DWP) attempt to overturn the High Court's ruling, with Lord Justice Underhill saying that the issue has had a "severely harmful impact".  

Today, Stephen asked the Work and Pensions Secretary for a statement on the Department's response to this verdict. Stephen said the situation had left claimants' income "severely disrupted". Although he was "grateful" that the DWP was not planning to appeal the ruling and had "accepted the inevitable", they should've "given up the fight" last year. He also asked for an estimate of the number of people affected, and questioned the Minister on when the Universal Credit computer system would be fixed.