Activities in Parliament

I continue as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State within the Department for Work and Pension. My responsibilities include:

Housing Benefit
Bereavement Benefit
Income Support
Jobseekers Allowance
International Relations
Social Fund
European Social Fund
Debt Management Policy
Fraud and Error
Methods of Payment Reform
Benefit Simplification
National Insurance Numbers

I also lead in the Commons on the Child Support Agency.

I have also attended the following Mass Lobbies of Parliament in order to meet with constituents:

CWU
Lobby for Palestine
TUC NHS Lobby (2)
Warwick University National Union of Students

I have also sponsored an exhibition by Transaid and organised or hosted visits by 10 groups of constituents to Parliament.

I am maintaining a good attendance record. So far, I have been present for 85% of all divisions this session. The 'missing' 15% is accounted for by authorised absences due to Ministerial commitments.

There was a substantial free vote during this session, on House of Lords reform. I voted for a 100% elected chamber, and against all the other options.