📜 Points of Order

Commons Chamber

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Urgent calls were made in Parliament for the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to address the looming deadline for pension credit applications, crucial for winter fuel allowance eligibility. Tensions rose as an MP criticized the government for ignoring the ombudsman’s recommendations, sparking debate on government accountability. Meanwhile, a new Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill was introduced, aiming to enhance child welfare, regulate care workers, and reform educational standards. This bill marks a significant move towards improving support systems for children in and out of school.

Summary

  • Pension Credit Application Deadline: Mr Gregory Campbell raised a point of order, highlighting the urgent need for pension credit claimants to apply by the weekend to qualify for this year’s winter fuel allowance. He questioned whether the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions would make a statement on the issue, noting that tens of thousands have not yet applied.

  • Response on Pension Credit: Madam Deputy Speaker acknowledged the issue had been addressed in previous sessions and confirmed no statement request had been made by the Department for Work and Pensions Ministers.

  • Ombudsman’s Role Questioned: Sir Gavin Williamson raised a point of order concerning the apparent overruling of the ombudsman’s recommendations. He sought clarification on how the House could ensure government accountability and reflect Members’ views on this matter.

  • Ombudsman Issue Addressed: Madam Deputy Speaker noted that the Secretary of State had already responded to this point during a previous statement.

  • Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill Introduced: Secretary Bridget Phillipson presented the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, aimed at enhancing safeguarding and welfare of children, supporting those in or leaving care, regulating care workers, and addressing various aspects of education including school attendance, uniforms, and teacher misconduct.

  • First Reading of the Bill: The Bill was read for the first time and scheduled for its second reading the following day. It was also set to be printed along with explanatory notes.

Divisiveness

The session contains points of order and the presentation of a bill, but no significant disagreement or debate is evident. Mr Gregory Campbell raises a concern about the urgency of pension credit applications, but this is addressed calmly by Madam Deputy Speaker without any contention. Sir Gavin Williamson expresses frustration about the ombudsman being ignored, but again, Madam Deputy Speaker responds in a straightforward manner without escalating the situation. The presentation of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill by Secretary Bridget Phillipson is procedural and unopposed in the transcript. Overall, the session shows minimal disagreement, hence a rating of 1 out of 5 for disagreement.