VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Social Security Benefits

Asked by Wendy MortonConservativeDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled Answered 18 December 2025UIN 98478

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the financial impact of future welfare spending on the economy.

Answered by Sir Stephen Timms

We inherited from the previous administration a welfare system that forced too many people out of work and on to long-term benefits, while leaving millions of children in poverty. We have begun to address that through reforms to universal credit, increased employment support, more help for children in poverty and, now, a youth guarantee to offer work and training to young people who are unemployed.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim