Taxation Living Standards 2024-05-07
2024-05-07
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
MP inquired about the recent assessment of the government's tax policies' impact on citizens' financial situations.
What recent assessment has been made of the potential impact of your tax policies on living standards?
Thanks to national insurance cuts and above-inflation increases since 2010, the average worker on £35,400 will pay more than £1,500 less in personal taxes this year. Maintaining fuel duty rates at current levels represents a further £13 billion benefit to households over three years.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address the specific ask of providing a recent assessment on impact.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
MP noted the cost of living crisis and suggested a veterinary agreement could help reduce food prices.
The Minister will know that people are still struggling with the cost of living. Seeking a bespoke veterinary agreement with the EU would not only cut costs for businesses but also stop food prices rising further. A future Labour Government would do this, so why won't the current government commit to it?
The hon. Lady's first comment was correct: everyone recognises cost of living challenges. The Government have adopted a strategy of focusing on inflation, tax cuts, and national insurance cuts. We maintain a positive relationship with the EU and engage on various matters.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not commit to seeking a bespoke veterinary agreement with the EU.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
MP criticized government for misrepresenting national insurance cuts' positive impact, citing the Resolution Foundation.
In pre-elections, the Prime Minister talked about national insurance cuts. However, workers earning less than £26,000 a year are worse off due to combined tax changes. Does the Minister recognise this? Will he apologize for misrepresenting the position?
We recognise challenges for those on lowest incomes, which is why we adopted measures including housing allowance. If so opposed to national insurance cuts, why did Leader of Opposition support them?
▸
Assessment & feedback
The answer deflected by questioning opposition's stance.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
MP highlighted the cost of living crisis due to Ukraine conflict, suggesting UK should seize Russian assets for reconstruction costs.
There is a real cost of living challenge related to the war in Ukraine. A key part of it relates to energy supplies. The US has seized Russian assets to pay for reconstruction; why shouldn't the UK do the same?
Sanctions on Russia are important, showing impact of Ukraine invasion globally. Thanks to action taken by this Government and Bank of England, inflation is now falling and will soon hit target.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address the specific ask about seizing Russian assets.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
MP criticized the government for higher taxes, squeezed living standards, weaker public services, and loss of public confidence.
The Conservatives' decisions mean average families face an £870 higher tax bill this year. Pensioner taxpayers will pay £960 more annually. The IFS director said 'This remains a Parliament of record tax rises.' Does the Minister understand why the country has lost confidence in them?
Many remember Labour's economic performance. Tax-free allowance was £6,475; now it is £12,570. Over 1.5 million people are out of paying income tax. We focus on putting more money in pockets with national insurance cuts and other measures.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address loss of public confidence directly.
Response accuracy