§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for what reasons earnings disregards were not increased in the annual uprating of social security benefits. [58385]
§ Mr. DenhamWe believe that, for those who are able to undertake it, paid work is the surest route out of poverty. This is why our welfare reform programme has focused on making work pay and providing new and innovative ways to help people on benefit make an early return to work through the New Deals for unemployed people, lone parents, people with a disability or long-term illness and through initiatives like Employment Zones.