Food Banks

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Work and Pensions – in the House of Commons at 2:30 pm on 22 June 2015.

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Photo of Priti Patel Priti Patel Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions) 2:30, 22 June 2015

I thank the hon. Lady for her welcome, although I must say I thought her comments about my predecessor were ungracious.

Regarding sanctions, I assure the House that for those in genuine need, hardship payments are on offer, as is support for those who have been sanctioned. Support is there for those who can demonstrate that they require financial assistance to buy essential items. It is absolutely right that in our jobcentres and in the interactions with claimants, we give them the right sort of support, guidance and advice, and I assure the hon. Lady that that does take place.