David Rutley moved to approve the draft Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2022, which was laid before the House on 17 January.

Ashworth raised concerns about the proposed uprating in line with inflation, suggesting that a real-terms cut for those on benefits and pensions is likely given projected inflation rates of over 6% by April.

Shannon highlighted recent food price increases and urged consideration of abnormal price increases in the legislation to support individuals during difficult times.

Mills questioned the use of September's inflation rate for uprating benefits, suggesting that December's higher inflation rate should be considered instead to help those getting through winter.

Linden intervened to point out an inaccuracy regarding the allocation of funds and pressed for a correction from the Minister at the Dispatch Box.

McDonald questioned whether people dependent on benefits would be worse off due to the proposed uprating method, suggesting that inflation is rising without any smoothing effect.

Johnson cited warnings from anti-poverty groups and called for a 6% uplift in benefits rather than the current proposal, arguing it would help prevent further poverty and misery.

Brown raised concerns about the allocation of Barnett consequentials to the Scottish Government, questioning whether more could be done with additional oil and gas revenues.

Ms Buck thanked Department for Work and Pensions staff while highlighting the hardship caused by rising costs, especially affecting low-income individuals. She cited statistics on inflation rates and benefits uprating, noting that April's pension and benefit increases would be less than half of actual inflation. She criticised the Government’s response as insufficient and outlined Labour’s alternative plans to provide immediate relief without future repayment.

Mr Aldous highlights the serious challenges faced by vulnerable groups due to inflation rising above expectations. He notes that while there was initial consensus about an anomaly in earnings, it now appears sustained. Although he recognises measures to support pensioners and acknowledges the infrastructure of Universal Credit, he argues that more targeted assistance is needed given the four-year freeze on universal credit uprating before the pandemic. Mr Aldous welcomes recent announcements but feels they lack depth and direction.

Paid tribute to work coaches despite ideological differences with the Department for Work and Pensions, criticised the Conservative Government's handling of social security, highlighted the impact of inflation and energy price hikes on low-income households, called for an urgent reversal of universal credit cuts and an emergency financial package. Emphasised the inadequacy of the UK Government’s response to the cost-of-living crisis and criticised policies such as the two-child limit and sanctions that push families into destitution.

Intervened to support David Linden's argument, stating that universal credit should be restored with immediate effect in response to the worsening cost-of-living crisis.

The speaker criticises the Government's proposed rise in benefits and pensions as insufficient given the current cost of living crisis. He argues that the system needs to be updated so it uses a more recent inflation measure, such as December rather than September, to ensure people have sufficient funds to cover their bills for the coming year. The speaker also urges the Government to conduct an assessment proving whether benefits are adequate and suggests introducing measures similar to those taken during the pandemic, like the £20 uplift in universal credit, to address the situation urgently.

I am pleased to follow the hon. Member for Amber Valley, who makes an important contribution to the work of the Select Committee and with whom I largely agree. The speaker acknowledges the tribute given by the Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to Jack Dromey, a late colleague. He highlights that from 2016 to 2020, half of benefits were frozen due to rising food and energy prices, causing income disconnection from living costs. The loss of temporary benefit increases is exacerbated by the removal of the £20 a week uplift for universal credit and working tax credit claimants. Robert Joyce argues that increasing benefits each April based on previous September's inflation rate is not adequate in the current high-inflation period. He also points out the DWP's breach of protocol regarding social research publication, particularly with the NatCen report on disabled people’s experience of the benefits system. The speaker emphasises the need for reconsideration of legacy benefit rates and local housing allowance adjustments to reflect recent inflation data. Additionally, he calls for an action plan to increase pension credit take-up among eligible recipients facing rising energy costs. Finally, he raises concerns over the communication regarding Guaranteed Minimum Pensions Increase Order (GMP) and the ombudsman's recommendations.

Critiques the Government's benefit cuts as driving more families into poverty. Describes local impacts in Poplar and Limehouse with a high rate of child poverty, increasing by 973 children since 2014-15. Urges for measures like doubling winter fuel payments, reinstating the £20 universal credit cut, scrapping VAT on household bills, and taking energy companies into public ownership to reduce consumer costs.

Highlights that over 12 years, working-age support for claimants has been cut by 9% to 17%, translating to £34 billion a year in lost income. Outlines disproportionate losses to low-income households, with the poorest 10% losing about £1,200 annually and families with children losing up to £4,000. Emphasises that social security cuts are key determinants of increasing poverty rates, impacting life expectancy and healthy living standards negatively.

Chamberlain emphasises the importance of covering both social security and pensions in the debate, noting that Conservative Back Benchers agree with Opposition Members about the insufficiency of the Government’s proposed 3.1% increase. She highlights the difficulties faced by rural communities and vulnerable constituents due to inflation outstripping wages, impacting essential daily living costs. Chamberlain also discusses the impact on disabled people, whose living costs are higher than average and who may face energy poverty exacerbated by the cuts in universal credit and failure to provide additional support for legacy benefit recipients. She questions the extension of the warm home discount scheme's timeline, advocating for urgent measures to meet the cost-of-living increase.

Winter expresses deep concern about the likely impact of the draft Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order and Guaranteed Minimum Pensions Increase Order on millions of people’s living standards. She criticises past Tory policies, such as welfare caps, benefit freezes, and universal credit cuts, which have pushed many into poverty and hardship. Winter provides statistics showing that poorest households spend a third of their budget on food and bills compared to the fifth for richer ones, highlighting specific challenges in her constituency of Cynon Valley where over 30% live in poverty. She advocates for measures like capital gains tax reforms and wealth taxes to address inequality and proposes an increase of 6%, aligning with organisations such as CPAG and the Trussell Trust.

Mr McDonnell expresses his commitment to reject the order and vote against it in order to demand better action from the Government, specifically calling for an increase in benefits that matches inflation. He also criticises the current allowance given to unpaid carers who save about £130 billion for the state but often live in poverty due to inadequate support.

Mr McDonald agrees with Mr McDonnell, stating that it is reprehensible to put Parliament in a position where it simply has to accept the crisis being faced by the poor. He demands a proper settlement and increase for those most in need.

Mr. Burgon argued that the proposed cut to social security and pensions is a moral issue, highlighting cases of constituents who suffer due to unfair benefits reductions. He emphasised the context of the historic cost of living crisis affecting millions, particularly focusing on fuel poverty and children unable to sleep in beds. Mr. Burgon criticised recent tax giveaways for bankers and pointed out that while Britain is the fifth richest country, it still has 4 million people living in poverty due to a lack of proper support from the Government. He called for a windfall tax on gas giants' profits to alleviate fuel poverty, criticising the Government's choice to protect the super-rich while demonising those on social security and targeting ordinary people. Mr. Burgon concluded by urging MPs to vote against these orders for the sake of constituents struggling with heating bills, food insecurity, and other basic needs.

Shannon noted the increase in state pension to £185.15 per week but argued it does not sufficiently address the cost of living issues affecting his constituents. He cited examples such as rent increases from £400-£450 a month to £560-£600, and a 50% increase in fuel costs. Shannon called for additional funding to mitigate rising energy and food prices. He also suggested improvements in accessibility to pension credit and awareness of benefits like attendance allowance.

Paisley supported Shannon's concerns about the impact of Tesco CEO’s comments on food price increases, highlighting the broader squeeze on citizens due to rising costs across various sectors.

Highlighted the need for the Government to do more to address the cost of living crisis. Criticised the Government's decision to break the triple lock on pensions, arguing it is unjustified and detrimental to pensioners. Emphasised that UK pensions are among the least generous in north-west Europe compared with average wages. Pointed out that breaking the triple lock will result in a £520 annual loss for pensioners and a total saving of over £30 billion for the Government over this Parliament. Criticised the impact of energy price hikes on pensioners, estimating an increase from £1,600 to £2,000, which is a 40% rise in net costs for energy bills. Raised concerns about pension credit uptake and suggested that full take-up could lift 440,000 older people out of poverty. Also addressed the issue of frozen pensions for overseas residents, particularly veterans, and called for an independent savings and pensions commission.

Thanked those who have spoken in the debate, highlighted the scale of the cost of living crisis and the need for targeted support. Criticised the Government's inadequate response to the crisis, particularly regarding energy costs, council tax rebates, insulation homes, and supporting businesses with energy costs. Emphasised the failure of the Government to insulate homes and provide long-term investment in energy security as per their manifesto promises.

Acknowledged the importance of matters being debated, outlined the uprating order providing new rates of benefit from April 2022 for state pensions and benefits. Noted increases in GMP by 3% in line with primary legislation. Emphasised global economic recovery pressures on household incomes and Government support exceeding £400 billion since the start of the pandemic.

Challenged Minister Rutley's claim that the provided package is 'substantial', stating it does not cover cost of living crisis, inflation increase and inadequate for constituents.

Asked the Minister to name a measure in the support package that applies to the 2.5 million disabled people who were left behind by this Government during the pandemic, and are still being overlooked.

Asked the Minister why 8% is a statistical anomaly while 7% is not, challenging the accuracy of data provided.