Stephen urges Government to improve housing cost support

During oral questions to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on 23 January, Stephen urged the Government to increase Local Housing Allowance rates.

In November, the Government uprated most benefits and the benefit cap in line with inflation. However, the local housing allowance for the private rented sector remained frozen at rates set in 2020, based on rates in the year up to September 2019.

58% of Universal Credit households in the private rented sector face a shortfall between their actual rent and the maximum covered by LHA. This is at a time when rents are continuing to rise - Rightmove reported last Autumn that rents in London had increased by 16% in a year.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Stephen asked the Work and Pensions Secretary “will Ministers look again in the Budget at the level of Local Housing Allowance for the coming financial year?”

You can watch Stephen’s full question, and the Minister’s response, below.

Stephen leads debate on ethnic diversity in business

On Tuesday 20 December, Stephen led a Westminster Hall debate on supporting entrepreneurs from ethnic minority backgrounds. The debate largely drew upon the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry's recent report, Ethnic Diversity in Business.

The report found that the economic contribution of ethnic minority-led businesses is estimated to be an additional £25 billion to the UK economy. But because of barriers they face, they constitute just 5% of small and medium enterprises.

In the debate, Stephen argued that there are two key barriers ethnic minority-led business face. First, challenges in accessing finance, and second, a lack of reliable data.

Speaking in the debate, Stephen said “we need to be determined to end racial and ethnic inequality across UK society, including when it comes to start-up support, and to closing gaps that have persisted for far too long.”

You can watch Stephen’s full speech - and the Minister’s response - below.

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Stephen questions Prime Minister on cost of living support

During a Liaison Committee meeting on 20 December, Stephen urged the Prime Minister to strengthen the social security safety net for those struggling with the cost of living crisis.

Chairs of Select Committees were given the opportunity to question the Prime Minister on the areas they work on. Stephen raised the sharp rise in food bank demand over the last year and asked him what the Government is doing to tackle food poverty. Stephen also urged the Prime Minister to improve specific areas of support, including free school meals, local housing allowance and the Warm Homes Discount.

Speaking during the hearing, Stephen said “food bank demand has continued to rise, except when you increased Universal Credit to £20 a week, and then it dipped, so that is why I say I think we will need to see an improvement in the social security safety net.”

You can watch the full exchange below.

Stephen writes to Health Secretary about cancelled operations in East London

Credit: Natanael Melchor | @nmelchorh

Stephen has contacted the Health Secretary to raise his concerns after it was found that 4,643 operations cancelled in Barts NHS Trust last year.

Data collected by the Labour Party from freedom of information requests made to NHS hospitals show the impact of 12 years of underinvestment in our NHS by the Conservatives.  Staff shortages were the most common reason given for cancellations by hospitals, accounting for 1 in 5 of all operations cancelled for non-clinical reasons in 2021/22. 227 operations were cancelled due to a lack of staff available at Bart’s.

 Speaking about the figures, Stephen said:  “Patients are forced to wait longer for vital operations because the Conservatives have failed to train enough staff over the past 12 years. 

 “Having operations cancelled causes huge disruption to patients, and prevents them from being able to get on with their lives. I have today written to the Health Secretary asking how he plans to improve these figures in the coming year.

 “Labour will tackle this problem at its root. We will train a new generation of doctors and nurses so patients get the treatment they need, when they need it. We will abolish non-doms to pay for it because patients need treatment more than the wealthiest need a tax break and if you live and work in Britain you should pay your taxes here.”

Stephen hosts reception for former East Ham Councillors

Stephen has had the chance to thank former East Ham councillors who stepped down at the local elections in May.

The group were joined at a reception in the House of Commons by Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds who thanked the group for their work on behalf of the Labour Party. They included Rev Quintin Peppiatt, Ayesha Chowdhury, Moniba Khan, Suga Thekkeppurayil and Muhammad Ali.

Speaking afterwards, Stephen said: “Being a councillor is hugely demanding, but at the same time perhaps a little under-appreciated. All those who stepped down last May served our community well.

“It was a privilege to host them in Parliament, and, on behalf of the community, to also thank them for their work.”

Stephen hosts a breakfast to launch book 'Shades of Black'

On 24 November, Stephen held a book launch with members of the Diocese of London’s Racial Justice Priority Group in Parliament. Shades of Black by Dr Clifford Hill, Nigel Pocock and Pastor Alton Bell is aimed at raising awareness of colour consciousness, both within the Church and wider society.

At the event, the authors shared their experience in writing the book and hopes for what it will achieve. They explained how Shades of Black calls for recognition of the root of colour consciousness and its legacy today. They also discussed measures to tackle racial prejudice and discrimination today.

Shades of Black has been endorsed by church leaders and includes a foreword from Dr Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury.

Stephen calls on Government to review local housing allowance

During Work and Pensions questions on 5 December, Stephen urged the Secretary of State to increase local housing allowance, to reflect the recent surge in rents.

In November, the Government uprated most benefits and the benefit cap in line with inflation. However, the local housing allowance for the private rented sector remained frozen at rates set in 2020, based on rates in the year up to September 2019.

Research from the housing charity Shelter shows that, by the end of its last freeze, local housing allowance failed to cover the cost of the cheapest 20% of private rented 2 bedroom homes in 78% of England, and in a third of areas did not cover the cheapest 10%.

Speaking in Parliament, Stephen asked the Secretary of State, “does he recognise that the case for rebasing local housing allowance, so it does reflect actual local rents, is becoming a very, very pressing one?”

You can watch Stephen’s full question, and the DWP Secretary’s response, below.

Stephen urges Government to introduce Alternative Student Finance

During questions to the Education Secretary on 28 November, Stephen asked the Government when it will introduce Sharia-compliant student finance for Muslim students.

Last year, Stephen tabled an Early Day Motion urging the Government to deliver on its previous commitment to provide sharia-compliant student finance. It was signed by 28 MPs. The Government have since launched a consultation on the new lifelong loan entitlement and said it is still considering how alternative student finance could be delivered through this.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Stephen explained that an estimated 4,000 Muslim students do not go to university each year because there is no finance available that is compatible with their faith. He then asked the Minister “will the new ministerial team - which I welcome - commit to introducing alternative student finance and can they give us some indication of when that will be?”

You can watch Stephen’s full question - and the Minister’s response - below.

Stephen urges DWP to work with disabled people

On Thursday 24 November, there was a Backbench Business debate on the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Stephen spoke about the need for the Department for Work and Pensions to work more closely with disabled people.

The UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities takes place annually on 3 December. Marsha de Cordova MP led a debate in Parliament on the importance of this day. Stephen spoke in the debate about a number of ways in which the DWP could improve the experience of disabled people in seeking support from the Government.

Stephen explained how the DWP commissioned an external report to investigate this very issue, in which it spoke to a large number of disabled people about their experience of the benefits system. Ministers decided, however, not to publish the findings of the study, which is a breach of the cross-Government protocol on social research. Instead, the Work and Pensions Select Committee - which Stephen chairs - used their powers to obtain a copy of the report and published it themselves.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Stephen said “it is true, of course, that being open about criticisms and difficulties exposes Ministers to awkward questions, but refusing open discussion and trying to keep things secret or keep a lid on them does far more damage than letting such debates take place in the open.”

You can watch Stephen’s full speech below.

Stephen attends event on diabetes

World Diabetes Day was on 14 November. Stephen attended an event in Parliament to hear about the experience of those living with diabetes, and what can be done to better support them.

During the event, Stephen met with Diabetes UK’s new Campaign Champions, who explained how care for the 4.9 million people with diabetes can be improved. They warned of the long-term consequences the impact of the pandemic could have on those living with the condition if action is not taken now.

Speaking after the event, Stephen said “I enjoyed meeting with Diabetes UK’s new Campaign Champions, and hearing about their work to improve prevention and care for those living with diabetes. Services supporting people with diabetes have been significantly disrupted during the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, but with the right support and care, everyone with diabetes can live well.”

Stephen joins call to support children in palliative care

On 24 November, Stephen attended an event in Parliament, held by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Children Who Need Palliative Care, and joined the call for further cost of living support for families whose children will have short lives.

At the reception, MPs heard from families of seriously ill children about how the rising cost of living is impacting them. The charity Together For Short Lives also explained how their ‘cost of living support fund’ is helping with energy bills and other necessary medical equipment.

An estimated 3,000 seriously ill children require long-term ventilation to stay alive and around 6,000 are dependent on ‘assistive technology.’ Together for Short Lives are calling on the Government to commit to additional funding to help families access better treatment and to reflect their higher energy costs.

Speaking after the event, Stephen said “I was pleased to attend the APPG’s reception on children who need palliative care. The rising cost of living is impacting families whose children will have short lives. I applaud Together for Short Lives for the work they are doing to support these families. However, the Government must also act now so that they can make the most of every moment they have together. There is no time to waste.”

Stephen hosts event in Parliament on supporting garment workers

On 22 November, Stephen jointly held a drop-in event in Parliament with MPs and Transform Trade, to call for the implementation of a Fashion Watchdog to improve workers’ rights across global supply chains.

At the event, MPs heard from Transform Trade and researchers about unfair purchasing practices in fashion. Transform Trade are calling on the Government to establish a garment supply chain adjudicator, to monitor practice in the industry and protect works both in the UK and abroad.

A Fashion Watchdog would ensure larger brands selling into the UK are unable to subject suppliers to unfair purchasing practices, and would promote fair commercial treatment.

Speaking at the event, Stephen said “modern slavery is rising globally. Unfair purchasing practices in the garment industry play a large part in this. I am grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness of this problem in Parliament and hope the Government takes seriously Transform Trade’s call for a Fashion Watchdog.”

Stephen urges Government to support asylum seekers in hotels

On 23 November there was an urgent question to the Home Office about consultation with local authorities in the selection of hotels for contingency asylum accommodation. Stephen spoke about the situation in Newham.

The Home Office commissions Clearsprings to provide hotel accommodation for asylum seekers in Newham. When a safeguarding concern is reported, the Council is not informed by Clearsprings, even though they have a statutory responsibility. Instead, the Home Office is alerted.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Stephen asked the Minister “will he ensure that particular aspect of communication is resolved?”

Watch Stephen’s full question, and the Minister’s response, below.

Stephen responds to the Chancellor's Autumn Statement

On 17 November, the Chancellor laid out the Government's fiscal plans for the next term. Stephen welcomed the Chancellor's assurance that benefits and pensions would be uprated, as he has been calling for. He raised concerns, however, that no such commitment was made for local housing allowance.

In April, social security benefits were only uprated by 3%, whilst inflation was around 10%. Rishi Sunak, when Chancellor, had made assurances that there would be a catch-up increase next April. When Kwasi Kwarteng moved into the role of Chancellor, Stephen asked if he would make the same promise. Kwarteng refused to repeat that assurance. Stephen and others have since repeatedly called on the Government to follow through with this prior commitment.

Stephen therefore welcomed the Chancellor’s recent announcement that pensions and working-age benefits will indeed be uprated in line with inflation. He raised concerns, however, that no commitments were given to raise local housing allowance in the same way.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Stephen asked the Chancellor if he will “…uprate local housing allowance, which has been frozen since the start of the pandemic, at a time when rents have surged?”

You can watch Stephen’s full question, and the Chancellor’s response, below. You can also watch his speech in the following debate on the statement here.

Stephen leads debate on the importance of mathematical sciences

During Maths’ week, Stephen led a Westminster Hall debate on the contribution of mathematical sciences to British society.

The aims of Maths Week are to celebrate maths and raise further interests for many across the country. In the debate, Stephen spoke about the importance of maths and the need to change the conversation about it to be more positive for people of all background. He highlighted how influential it is in our everyday lives and jobs, as well as its contribution to the UK economy.

Stephen also discussed the Government’s commitment to invest £300 million into the research of mathematical sciences. It was introduced by the then Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, in January 2020 and was welcomed by many researchers and academics. However, it has been pointed out that more than half of the investment - £176 million – has still not been allocated. Stephen warned that should it not be invested as promised, many research roles could risk losing funding in the future.

Speaking in the debate, Stephen said: “maths enables the most exciting and urgent technological developments in energy generation, artificial intelligence, driverless cars, quantum computing and tackling climate change.”

You can watch Stephen’s full speech and the Minister’s response below.

Stephen presses Government on NRPF data

During Home Office orals on 14 November, Stephen asked the Minister when the department will improve data collection and distribution on those in the UK granted leave to remain with no recourse to public funds.

The Home Office currently does not hold information on the total number of people in the UK with no recourse to public funds - a condition on their visa restricting them from accessing state funded support, including Universal Credit.

Earlier this year, the Government promised to improve data on NRPF by introducing a new IT system by the end of 2022. This is yet to be put in place.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Stephen asked “when will the department now take back control and switch on their new system so they can provide this completely basic information?”

You can watch Stephen’s full question and the Minister’s response below.

Stephen urges Government to protect triple lock and increase benefits

On Tuesday 8 November, Labour held a debate in Parliament on the pensions triple lock. Stephen spoke in the debate, urging the Government to protect the triple lock and increase working age benefits in line with inflation.

The state pension was due to increase this year in line with the highest of the following: inflation, average increase in wages, or 2.5%. This is also known as the triple lock. However, the Prime Minister has not yet confirmed his plans and MPs are worried that pensions will not be increased with rising inflation.

Stephen urged the Government to assure the House that the triple lock with be protected. He also argued that benefits should be uprated with the current inflation figure. Speaking in Parliament, he said “Trussell Trust food banks gave out 2.1 million emergency food parcels in 2021-22; they gave out 60,000 in 2010-11. They have reported that demand in August and September this year was 46% higher than last year. Why is the economy failing so many people?”

You can watch Stephen’s full speech below.

Stephen raises food insecurity in Parliament

During questions to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on Monday 31 October, Stephen asked if the Government would raise benefits in order to tackle food insecurity amongst Universal Credit claimants.

The family resources survey shows that food insecurity among Universal Credit claimants fell from 43% to 27% during the period of the £20 a week uplift to Universal Credit. Since the uplift was removed, food insecurity has started to rise again.

On Monday the newly appointed Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride, answered questions in the House of Commons. Stephen raised the findings of the family resources survey and asked “does not all that show how crucial it is that the Prime Minister keeps the promise he made as Chancellor to uprate benefits next April by 10.1%?”

Watch Stephen’s full question - and the Secretary of State’s response - below.

Stephen writes to Minister about benefits uprating

Stephen has written to Chloe Smith, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, asking for benefit reforms to support families and children.

Currently, the cost of living outweighs benefit incomes for families across the UK.  Many households are worried they will struggle to put food on their table – and pay their energy bills – ahead of this coming winter. According to the Good Childhood Report, 85% of parents are troubled about the impact the cost-of-living crisis will have on their family. 

Last year, it was found that child poverty cost the UK around £38 billion a year. With the recent rise of energy bills, there are concerns that child poverty will increase further. To combat this, Stephen has written to the Secretary of State to consider changes such as scrapping the Benefit Cap. This affects nearly 300,000 children. He would also like more money invested into Child Benefits and to uprate all benefits in line with inflation. This will advance children’s wellbeing allowing for education and welfare to flourish.

Having sent the letter, Stephen said “It is morally right the Government implements these changes for the benefit of all children in the UK.”

Stephen urges Government to uprate benefits

On Monday 17 October, the newly appointed Chancellor - Jeremy Hunt - gave an economic statement to the House of Commons. Stephen asked him if he would increase benefits to align with inflation.

During the statement, the Chancellor explained how the Government will reverse most of the changes to taxes they had announced at the recent Fiscal Event. While stamp duty and National Insurance measures will remain, the Government will scrap plans to cut dividend tax rates, reverse off-payroll changes, and to introduce a VAT free shopping scheme for tourists.

In April, social security benefits were only uprated by 3%, whilst inflation was around 10%. Rishi Sunak, when Chancellor, had made assurances that there would be a catch-up increase next April. Last month, Stephen asked the then-Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, if he would make the same promise. Kwarteng refused to repeat that assurance.

Speaking during the current Chancellor’s statement, Stephen asked Hunt the same question, ending with “will he recognise, as he reflects on his announcements in a couple of weeks’ time, that this is a matter, yes of compassion, but also of fairness?” Hunt did not commit to uprating benefits.

You can watch Stephen’s full question, and the Chancellor’s response, below.

The following Wednesday, Stephen raised this issue again during a debate on economic responsibility and plans for growth, making the case for raising benefits during the cost-of-living crisis. You can watch his intervention here.