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Minister quizzed on welfare reforms during visit

Edward Rowe
BBC News, Gloucestershire Political Reporter
BBC A group of people are gathered around a wooden table in a a café area. The table is decorated with bright, fresh flowers and plates of cookies, suggesting a friendly, social gathering. In the background, shelves hold neatly arranged cups and saucers, and colourful banners celebrating Pride Month hang from the ceiling. The people are engaged in conversation, with the minister, who is listening intently.BBC
Sir Stephen Timms was questioned by staff and students over the reforms.

Students and staff at a Gloucestershire college have questioned the Minister of State for Social Security and Disability about the government's proposed welfare reforms.

The bill has come under scrutiny because it will make it harder for people to access Personal Independence Payments (Pip).

Sir Stephen Timms, who visited the college on Thursday, said the government is listening to concerns but "it's very important" the reforms go ahead.

More than 120 Labour MPs have backed an amendment that would stop the bill progressing through Parliament.

Students and Staff at the National Star College in Cheltenham had the opportunity to quiz the minister on the Welfare Reforms and speak about their aspirations.

Student Callum, 20, said: "It was really interesting meeting the minister and speaking about what we do here."

"It makes me think they are starting to listen to what we are saying."

Mike Cooke is a personal learning coordinator at the college and also has a disability.

He and the other staff members quizzed Mr Timms about the upcoming reforms and how losing Pip would impact their ability to work.

"I think he dealt with it honestly and openly. He explained some of the background behind it," Mr Cooke said.

"He couldn't give us the answers we wanted but hopefully the visit today he can take something away and it will make him think about making some changes."

Chief Executive Lynette Barrett praised staff and students for speaking up.

"They spoke really well in terms of making sure he understood the personal impact and he listened. He seemed to understand and really take cognisance of what they were saying." Ms Barrett said.

Government 'listening to concerns'

Everyone is in the reception area of the National Star College. Minister Stephen Timms is leaning over a counter, speaking with student Sam seated behind it. The counter is cluttered with typical office items like computers, papers, and supplies. They are pointing at the inclusive disability badges. In the background, a few other people are standing and observing the interaction.
Mr Timms was also shown one student's campaign for a more inclusive blue badge

Once he'd spoken to those at the college Stephen Timms told the BBC "conversations are going on today" to address some of the concerns of the MPs rebelling against the proposals.

"We're listening to the concerns that people are raising but it's very important the reform goes ahead so we can open up opportunities for people that have been locked out of opportunities for far too long," he said.

Mr Timms added the bill will come to parliament on 1 July and he is confident it will be a "good outcome".

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