Member

Colleagues, it does not have to be this way. There are alternatives. In fact, on social media this week my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham East (Nadia Whittome) listed no fewer than 10 options to raise funds, and my hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield Hallam (Olivia Blake) has raised more such points in her speech today. I will offer some more. As per amendment 37, tabled in my name, we should stop outsourcing health assessments to five private profit-making companies. Seven in 10 assessments are going to mandatory reconsideration and tribunal at the DWP’s expense. There is a lack of cohesive strategy, with assessments being carried out by all manner of staff with wildly varying experiences and backgrounds. Although that amendment has not been selected for decision, I am grateful to the Minister for recognising the need to have this discussion about how we can do things better.