Patrick Spencer

Patrick Spencer

Conservative — Central Suffolk and North Ipswich

Speaking in the House of Commons on 3 November 2026

Debate

High Streets and Town Centres

Contribution

I recently received an email from a publican in my constituency, who said: “I cannot find people willing to work minimum wage because they earn more on benefits, I cannot give my experienced staff a pay rise because minimum wage increases eat into my budget, and often people will turn up for interviews only to demonstrate that they are ‘looking for work’ at the Jobcentre before bunking off on their first day.” Can the Minister explain why he has used the Budget to compound the problems of an unaffordable minimum wage and an out-of-control welfare system?

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