Poverty Reduction 2025-07-01
2025-07-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
In her constituency, three in ten disabled people are living in poverty. The Women’s Budget Group report highlighted that 75% of those losing their personal independence payment and carer's allowance are women.
What fiscal steps does the Chancellor plan to take to help reduce the number of disabled and sick people in poverty, particularly considering the intersectionality between women, disabled individuals, and other protected characteristics?
Nobody currently receiving personal independence payments will see any reduction in support. The Government have increased the national living wage by 6.7%, introduced the fair repayment rate to lower the cap on deductions for universal credit, and are rolling out more childcare including new nurseries at primary schools. A review of parental leave is being launched which could benefit all working parents, particularly mothers.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address specific intersectionality between women, disabled individuals, and other protected characteristics in fiscal decisions.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Cancer is a major driver of poverty, with people unable to work during treatment or due to collateral damage post-treatment. The international average for cancer patients receiving radiotherapy is 53%, while in the UK it stands at only 36%.
Does the Chancellor acknowledge that cancer drives poverty and will she look at investing more in radiotherapy given the disparity with international averages?
In the spending review, £29 billion more was invested annually for day-to-day NHS spending and a record uplift in capital spending was made. This has delivered 4 million additional appointments and reduced waiting lists by 250,000.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address the request to invest more specifically in radiotherapy.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
St Helens ranks as the 26th most deprived area nationally, with a focus on early intervention to prevent crisis intervention costs.
Will the Chancellor assure that this Government will properly fund councils and health services so more people can live longer healthier lives?
The Prime Minister is committed to early intervention, and later this week, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care will publish a 10-year health plan focusing on young people in deprived communities. The Government are determined to achieve better public health outcomes.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific assurances regarding funding levels for councils and health services.
Response accuracy