Speeches by Baxter.

“Good morning, Torsten. Are you working with DESNZ to assess the various forms of support for pensioners in terms of energy costs? Do you feel they all add up to an effective package for people who are struggling with their energy bills at the moment?”

“That was my—”

“Given the widespread support, including from energy suppliers, for a social tariff, which might offer more support with energy bills to households in fuel poverty, why do you think that has not happened yet?”

“Moving on to the cold weather payment scheme, it has not changed since around 2008. Do you think it is time for a change to that now? Is it fit for purpose?”

“I am conscious that it is £25. Given recent increases in energy prices, is there not a case to increase that?”

“Have you made any assessment about whether paying that cold weather payment in advance would encourage pensioners to turn the heating on, rather than keeping it off because they are scared about their bills?”

“There has not been an assessment of payment in advance being beneficial?”

“What role do you think the DWP should play in funding advice for people claiming what they are entitled to?”

“I will try to remember the source.”

“Thank you for that. I knew it was there somewhere in the back of my mind. On the matter of housing benefit and pension credit, can you update us on plans for that? Is the change still expected in April 2026?”

“Are you expecting to concentrate on merging application processes, or will you go further and align the rules?”

“I appreciate that you will give us a fuller answer at a later stage. Is there anything you can tell us: if you are aligning rules, for example, are you considering tapering and income and capital rules?”

“What are your plans for consulting on this? The National Housing Federation called for a full consultative process in collaboration with the housing sector to mitigate potential challenges that we might face if we are merging those.”

“Are you talking to the third sector as well at the moment?”

“11. What steps her Department is taking to tackle illegal working.”

“Good employers in my constituency of Paisley and Renfrewshire South—those who conduct employment checks and employ people on decent terms and conditions—are being undercut by unscrupulous firms that use exploitative practices and prey on the vulnerabilities of people seeking a better life here in the UK. What steps are…”

“I congratulate my right hon. Friend on his statement about this significant investment in the security of our nation. I was thrilled that the Prime Minister announced that there will be up to 12 new attack submarines, boosting growth in Scotland and keeping the UK safe for years to come. However, I was astonished to re…”

“The Scottish National party pretends to be on the side of elderly people in our communities, but despite the rhetoric, the SNP-led Renfrewshire integration joint board has taken the heartless decision to slash funding to the Food Train—a vital volunteer initiative that supports our elderly residents with prepared meals…”

“It was about to what extent sharing that information will enable suppliers to target support.”

“I think you have answered most of my questions already, but it is interesting what you were saying about the data-sharing working group. To what extent will sharing that data enable different utilities companies to target support?”