Economic Stability 2024-09-03
2024-09-03
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Chancellor has inherited a difficult fiscal situation from the previous government.
What steps she is taking to help ensure economic stability. Given the fiscal inheritance, workers and pensioners above the personal allowance threshold have faced burdens due to fiscal drag. What measures are being taken to prevent further burdens?
The Government are taking action with three pillars: stability, investment and reform. Sustainable public finances are necessary for economic stability, with difficult decisions in the Budget on 30 October. The Government cannot undo previous decisions but aim to support those most affected through £0.5 billion extension of household support fund until March 2025.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures to prevent further fiscal drag burdens were not detailed beyond general aims and funding extension.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The cost of temporary accommodation is spiralling, affecting local government and vulnerable households.
Will the Chancellor meet me and other council leaders to discuss immediate support for tackling the temporary accommodation crisis?
The problem is recognised, but no specific commitment or plan was made to meet the hon. Gentleman or local leaders. Refers comments to Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Meeting request not addressed directly.
Referring To Another Official
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The previous government left a £22 billion black hole and hidden unfunded spending commitments.
Does the Minister agree that transparency is crucial given the discovered public finance issues from the last Government?
Agrees on the need for transparency, highlighting the £22 billion black hole and higher deficit due to previous government's recklessness. Sets out a clear spending plan at the Budget.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The House of Commons Library estimates the cost of the COVID-19 disaster is between £315 billion and £415 billion.
How does her figure of a £22 billion black hole align with the estimated costs of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Gently points out that had our economy grown at OECD average rates, it would have been £140 billion larger. Under Conservatives, tax burden rose to its highest level for 70 years and there was a significant drop in household real disposable incomes.
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Assessment & feedback
Criticizing Previous Government
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Chancellor faces a difficult fiscal situation inherited from the last government.
What steps she is taking to help ensure economic stability. Given the difficulties, what are specific steps being taken to support those affected by fiscal drag?
The Government are taking a three-pillar approach with £22.6 billion in additional NHS funding, including capital investment and recruitment of doctors and nurses. The difficult decisions for the Budget will secure public finances.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps to prevent further fiscal drag burdens were not detailed beyond general economic measures.
Response accuracy