Stephen
Metcalfe MP raises concerns over migration benefits tourism in Parliament
Local MP Stephen Metcalfe has raised the concerns
of local constituents in Parliamentary questions to the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions.
Addressing the Secretary of State, Stephen Metcalfe rose
to the floor and asked to know: “what steps he is taking to limit the
availability of benefits to migrants from other EU member states”.
The Secretary of State replied with the reassurance that: “Since
January, EU jobseekers have not been able to claim jobseeker’s allowance until
they have been in the country for at least three months and can then claim for
only a maximum of six months. Shortly, we will further limit the claim time
from six months to three months. In addition, EU jobseekers cannot now claim housing
benefit.”
Stephen
Metcalfe went on to highlight that the number of non-UK nationals claiming
working age benefits was falling and asked the Secretary of State to do all he
can to ensure that that trend continues.
Mr Duncan Smith replied: “My hon. Friend raises an
interesting point. Overall the total number of national insurance number
registrations to adult overseas nationals is down by more than 7,000 on the
year, or 1%. NINo registrations from outside the EU are down by 30,000 on the
year, or 17%, and outside the EU annual registrations to all world areas have
fallen to the lowest level since records began in 2002.”
Speaking later in the day about the issue, Stephen
Metcalfe commented: “Given the importance of this issue to my local constituents,
I am dedicated to ensuring that the fairness of our immigration system is
raised in Parliament.
It is vital that migrants should contribute to this
country, and not be drawn here by the attractiveness of our benefits system. I
am glad to see that these measures are being taken and I am pleased how
seriously the Government are taking the concerns of the British people.”
