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Work Programme (Wales)

I could not agree more with my hon. Friend. He has reminded us of the context and the legacy that was inherited by the incoming Conservative Government in 1979, which is not too dissimilar to the economic context and legacy that today’s Government have inherited, which they have been making efforts to put right since the general election. Such issues have not occurred over the past 18 months; they have been around for a long time, and they certainly did not get better. In fact, they have got worse over the past 13 or more years. When we hear Opposition Members go through their diatribe of difficulties, we need to remember how long they were in power and how Wales became the poorest part of the United Kingdom under a Labour Government both in Cardiff bay and in Westminster. A cultural change and new approach were needed; a no-change situation was not an option. In spite of the significant sums of money that they spent, the previous Government did not make a difference and did not close the gap between Wales and the rest of the UK. This Government are therefore taking a different approach. They are introducing some strong, business-friendly policies and are seeking to help and support individuals in getting back to work. Far too many people—one, two, or even three generations in some places—have not had the opportunity to contribute economically to the country. The work capability assessment is a positive step. It is not about letting people lie on the benefits scrap heap, as some people would see it; it is about supporting them, encouraging them and giving them the ability—the skills—and support needed to return to the work force. We must give credit to the way in which the Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions, the right hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling), has supported and used the work capability assessment, and has taken a pragmatic approach. I was made aware of a concern relating to a constituent with mental health illnesses, who was called about support before they had received the letter from the Department for Work and Pensions stating that they would have to go through a work capability assessment. That call was made on a Friday evening, when the mental health charity, Mind, which supports a group of individuals in my constituency, was closed until the following Monday. The anxiety that built up over that period was significant, and it complicated and exaggerated my constituent’s mental health condition. I raised that matter with the Minister, who responded positively and immediately. As a result, that practice has been changed wherever possible, and I am delighted not to have heard of such a situation again. I urge hon. Members of all parties who have concerns with the work capability assessment to raise them with the Minister because, from my experience, he wants to take a positive approach, to make changes, to be pragmatic and to make the system work for individuals and for the economy. The universal credit will be introduced at some stage and will operate alongside the work capability assessment. That benefit will make a real difference and will make work pay for the first time. It cannot be right that people working that extra hour pay, effectively, a marginal rate of tax of 98%. Again, that is the situation that this Government have inherited from the previous one. Significant changes are required, therefore, to encourage a cultural change, so that people recognise that it is in their interests to work and to contribute economically to their families, communities and our nation. Enterprise zones have been extremely successful in England. I regret the Welsh Government’s delay—[ Interruption. ]