Speeches by Baxter.

“That was my—”

“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?”

“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.”

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

“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?”

“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?”

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

“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 have a quick supplementary on that previous question. We had evidence, though I am now struggling to remember who it was from, where concern was raised in one of our sessions about the data sharing agreement with Scotland. Has that been extended or is it up to date?”

“I will try to remember the source.”

“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…”

“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…”

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

“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…”

“While I have you—and tell me if it is not your area—on the RTS switch over, do you have a view on that process and what else the Government could or should be doing to make sure that people are not left in a position where, as outlined in the previous panel, either people’s heating was always on or always off and runni…”

“A very quick follow-up,and thank you all for attending today. I am interested in what you were saying there, Simon, about the RTS switch off. I am concerned about that. I am in a constituency with a substantial number of constituents who are affected by that. I was wondering if you could give us your view in terms of h…”