Cost of Living 2024-05-07
2024-05-07
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK faces significant cost-of-living pressures, with inflation and economic growth concerns.
What assessment has been made on the potential impact of increased costs on households in 2024?
The Office for Budget Responsibility expects UK living standards to grow in all years of the forecast period.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific assessment or figures on cost impacts on households.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Building Societies Association described the housing market as broken, with first-time buyers facing unprecedented challenges.
Given IMF projections and current policies, does the Chancellor anticipate any near-term relief for first-time homebuyers?
The hon. Gentleman will know that the Bank of England is independent. The good news is that the OBR expects inflation rates to fall to near target in the very near future.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the question about relief for first-time homebuyers.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Households face additional costs to help energy companies cover bad debts, raising concerns about passing on these costs to indebted customers.
What assurance can the Minister give that the extra charge will be passed on to indebted customers to alleviate their debt burden?
It is good news that energy prices are set to fall. The hon. Lady will know that the Chancellor abolished the surcharge in one of his first Budgets.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the question about passing on charges to indebted customers.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK faces the highest level of G7 inflation and lowest rate of economic growth in the OECD, with GDP per capita declining.
With these conditions, who does the Minister think believes that this plan is working to ease the cost-of-living crisis?
It is important to note that inflation has more than halved since the Prime Minister took office, and is now at 3.2%. That will have a material impact on cost of living pressures on households. In addition, support this year includes cutting national insurance rates across the UK and raising the local housing allowance.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the effectiveness or public perception of current policies.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Small music venues are closing at an alarming rate, and a VAT cut is being proposed to support these businesses.
What thought has the Minister given to providing a VAT cut for grassroots music venues?
I know my hon. Friend cares deeply about this matter. I know she has a report coming out in a few weeks, and I look forward to reading it.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address thoughts or plans for VAT cuts.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Inflation needs to be brought down to create a climate for interest rate reductions and tax cuts.
Does the Minister agree that reducing inflation is key to tackling cost-of-living pressures?
As ever, my right hon. Friend is absolutely right.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific measures or plans.
Response accuracy
Q7
Direct Answer
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Context
Buckinghamshire Council supported over 4,000 people through the household support fund and continues to offer help via a Helping Hand scheme.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that households struggling with cost-of-living issues should seek assistance from local government programmes?
My hon. Friend is completely correct. The household support fund has done so much to help people struggling with the cost of living. I commend the way that Buckinghamshire Council has handed out the money, and indeed will continue to do so throughout the year.
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Assessment & feedback
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Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Car insurance costs are significantly higher for young drivers in Scotland compared to other parts of the UK and EU.
Why is the Minister not addressing the issue of inflated car insurance rates for young drivers in Scotland?
I cannot comment on the specifics of car insurance companies, but what I can say is that for people struggling with the cost of living, whatever form that struggle takes, working-age benefits are going up by 6.7% this year.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address high car insurance rates in Scotland.
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Car insurance costs have increased significantly more in the UK than in other EU countries, raising questions about policy effectiveness.
Given the significant rise in car insurance rates, what reasons does the Minister give for the UK Government's lack of action?
I think that we have heard enough from the Brexit zombies on the other side of the Chamber.
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Assessment & feedback
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Response accuracy