Clause 4 - Declarations of eligibility

Childcare Payments Bill – in a Public Bill Committee am 10:45 am ar 21 Hydref 2014.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.

Photo of Lucy Powell Lucy Powell Shadow Minister (Education)

Again, we have no amendments to the clause, but on a point of clarity, has the Minister given any further thought to some of the issues raised previously, which I know she has sought to address, about whether she is sure that those without access to digital and electronic registration will not be excluded? I know that that is not her intention at all. Is she happy that the measures will not cause problems for those who are digitally excluded?

Photo of Priti Patel Priti Patel The Exchequer Secretary 11:00, 21 Hydref 2014

I reassure the hon. Lady and the Committee that, as we emphasised last week while giving evidence, we aim to simplify the scheme to make it as straightforward as possible. As we touched on last week, we are aiming to work with third parties and stakeholders to get all the right signposts in so that no one misses out on the potential to access the scheme. We are being conscientious and focused on doing this in the right way.

In addition to the digital development—as I explained last week, I have experienced a walk-through and it is straightforward—it is our priority to ensure that everyone who is eligible for the scheme has access to it. I hope that the Committee will agree that the clause should stand part of the Bill.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause 4 accordingly ordered to stand part of the Bill.