House of Commons
Parliament

Jeremy Corbyn says people are relying on the benefits system "just to make ends meet".

The prime minister says she recognises "some people are finding life difficult" but their policies have been "all about helping people with the cost of living".

House of Commons
Parliament

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Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn gets his first question, beginning by welcoming the fall in unemployment.

But he adds real wages are lower today than 10 years ago, asking if this is the sign of a strong economy.

Theresa May responds that his welcome for unemployment figures is a "first", describing it as "good news".

Thirty million people have been given a tax cut and the minimum wage has been raised, she says.

House of Commons
Parliament

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Theresa May kicks off PMQs by marking Anti-Slavery day and says she's determined to wipe it out.

The first question comes from Tory MP Esther McVey who asks the prime minister to reaffirm the government's commitment to the Northern Powerhouse.

Esther McVey took over her Tatton constituency from George Osborne - who was the key architect of the previous Conservative government's policy.

The only north in tune with the opposition is "Islington North and North Korea", Ms McVey says, to roars from the Conservative benches.

Theresa May says the voice of the North has been heard by the government.

The Conservative government is putting in the investment in skills and infrastructure, she says.

House of Commons
Parliament

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House of Commons
Parliament

Conservative Colin Clark asks what discussions have been held with the secretary of state for international trade on securing preferential trading access to the UK for least developed countries after the UK leaves the EU.

Priti Patel assures him the government is looking at this, which will mean "we can help poorest countries in the world trade themselves out of poverty".

House of Commons
Parliament

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The first question is from Conservative Scott Mann on providing hurricane relief in the Caribbean.

International Development Secretary Priti Patel says the storms have been "devastating" and the UK will be providing help with rebuilding and recovery as well as immediate relief.

Conservative James Gray raises concerns that some of the aid is coming from the defence budget, but Ms Patel says that's "not wholly accurate".

Select Committee
Parliament

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That's all from the committee.

Frank Field thanks the witnesses for their time and closes the evidence session.

There will be more debate on Universal Credit in the Commons chamber this afternoon.

Select Committee
Parliament

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SNP MP Chris Stephens says the introduction of Universal Credit is happening alongside Jobcentre closures, the latter often "being responsible for the rollout" of the new system.

Work and Pensions Secretary David Gauke says there is "good coverage" of Jobcentres across the country and that more claims are being made online.

Mr Gauke assures Mr Stephens that "there is not a reduction of staff" working on the rollout.

House of Commons
Parliament

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The Commons gets under way at 11.30am with questions to international development ministers, before prime minister's question time at midday.

Then there's a statement on the regulation of property agents, before MPs take part in today's opposition day debate on a Labour motion calling for a pause and overhaul of the roll-out of the universal credit benefit system.

The government has been under pressure from MPs on all sides of the House to rethink the system, and the work and pensions secretary announced this morning claimants would no longer need to pay to use the universal credit helpline.

The adjournment debate tonight is from Conservative Andrew Rosindell on animals in peril worldwide.

Select Committee
Parliament

Labour MP Steve McCabe raises the claim that a "substantial number" of private sector landlords are refusing to let property to people on Universal Credit, owing to fears they will fall into rent arrears.

Mr Gauke says "advance payments can help" to deter this from happening.

Neil Couling insists the DWP is "working closely" with private landlords to ensure this doesn't arise and cites the "thousands" of private landlords who let property to individuals and families receiving benefits.

Select Committee
Parliament

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Chair Frank Field says that as a result of the delays in Universal Credit payments the food bank in his Birkenhead constituency needs "15 tonnes" of additional supplies to keep its stocks up until Christmas.

David Gauke accepts that there have been "hard cases" as a result of Universal Credit payment delays.

Mr Field has previously said people are increasingly being "pushed towards destitution".

Select Committee
Parliament

Conservative MP Jack Brereton asks about claimants' access to advance payments.

David Gauke says job centre work coaches have been issued with "new guidance" to ensure people are made aware of the advance payment system.

Neil Couling, UC Director at the Department of Work and Pensions, tells Mr Brereton that the DWP "does not keep track" of how many applications for advanced payments are rejected.

Universal Credit claimants struggling to pay their bills are able to get cash advances upfront.

Read more about this here.