Steve Darling MP: speeches

Speeches

• 7 Oct 2024 · Topical Questions · Hansard source

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  Mr Speaker, may I draw your attention to a report recently published by the University of Bath, which highlights that benefit claimants face a series of cliff edges if they claim additional funds? If a family earn just £7,399, they lose the ability to claim free school meals. What plans does the Minister have to tackle the lack of compassion in the system?

• 7 Oct 2024 · Winter Fuel Payment · Hansard source

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  There are 2.7 million pensioners over the age of 80 who would have benefited from the £300 winter fuel allowance. They are among the most vulnerable in our society. The right hon. Lady is right to say that the previous Government let them down, but let us not add insult to injury and have the new Government let them down. Can she reassure the House that she will reverse the regressive approach that she has taken to the winter fuel allowance, and not hit the most vulnerable people who are over 80?

• 12 Sept 2024 · Shoplifting: Prosecutions · Hansard source

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  I congratulate the Solicitor General on their appointment. The British Retail Consortium identified a £1.7 billion cost to traders from the offence. Having spoken to traders in Torquay and Paignton, I know that it has a massive impact on the viability of them trading on our high streets. How will the Solicitor General ensure that we expedite shoplifting prosecutions?

• 12 Sept 2024 · Shoplifting: Prosecutions · Hansard source

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  3. What steps she is taking to help increase prosecution rates for shoplifting.

• 10 Sept 2024 · Court Backlog · Hansard source

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  25. What assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the backlog of cases in courts.

• 10 Sept 2024 · Court Backlog · Hansard source

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  Torquay magistrates court closed in the last decade, and therefore justice is served somewhat distantly from our communities in Torbay. Can the Minister assure the House that there will be some reviews to ensure that justice is served more locally to our communities in south Devon?

• 3 Sept 2024 · Cost of Living: Support for Pensioners · Hansard source

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  Some 21,000 pensioners in my constituency of Torbay will be impacted by the cut. In Devon and Cornwall, almost 90% of pensioners will be impacted by it. While many of us acknowledge that the Chancellor was left with a massive financial challenge when she came into the post, I remain extremely concerned about the residents who have reached out to me and colleagues with their major concerns about making ends meet as we enter the winter period. They have had no time to save and it is a complete shock to them. What assurances can the Chancellor give that the Government will support those who are most vulnerable? If those measures fail, what assurances can she give that she will scrap the proposal?

• 3 Sept 2024 · Cost of Living: Support for Pensioners · Hansard source

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  10. What fiscal steps she is taking to support pensioners with the cost of living.