Press briefing - afternoon 6 February 2013
The Prime Minister's Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on benefits, the economy and Mid Staffordshire NHS foundation trust.
Benefits
Asked whether the PM and Chancellor were going to look at the proposed change in benefits for those with spare rooms in social housing, the PMS said that the plans were exactly as the government had set out. They were part of an important programme of welfare reform being pursued by government.
Economy
Questioned about the PM’s thoughts on the economy and the performance of the FTSE, the PMS said that the PM believed the government was taking the right decisions and despite some disappointing figures, unemployment statistics and deficit reduction pointed to a healing economy.
Mid Staffordshire NHS trust
Asked whether the PM had confidence in Sir David Nicholson, the PMS said that the PM did. Sir David Nicholson was doing a very good job but there were wider lessons to learn from the Mid Staffordshire trust across the NHS.
The PM had pointed to the immediate action the government was taking in reaction to the Francis report. It was important to put measures in place to prevent the appalling events highlighted in the report from happening again. The government would be responding in greater detail in due course.