V

Viscount Younger of Leckie (Con)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 9 January 2025

Debate

Benefits: Eligibility

Contribution

I echo the Minister’s words about Lord Haselhurst; I completely agree with him. The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has acknowledged that addressing long-term sickness is key to the PM’s priority mission to boost economic growth. She has promised to address spiralling economic inactivity. We all understand that support must be provided to those who are generally unable to work. However, according to the ONS, 21.9% of all 16 to 64 year-olds are economically inactive. I am sure the House agrees that these numbers are completely unsustainable for the taxpayer and the individuals concerned, and to achieve growth. What is the Government’s current sanctions policy? Will they introduce new sanctions on those who are capable of work but refuse to?

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