Cost of Living 2024-01-17
2024-01-17
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Recent discussions between the government and Northern Ireland's Administration about the cost of living crisis.
What recent discussions has he had with the Administration in Northern Ireland on the effect of cost of living increases?
The Government have taken decisive action to help tackle increases in the cost of living, including support for vulnerable households through a range of measures such as £900 cost of living payments. Emphasis is placed on the need for a functioning Executive in Northern Ireland.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details about recent discussions with the Administration were not provided.
Vagueness
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Public sector workers in Northern Ireland have seen real pay fall by over 7%.
Does the UK Government's response to the cost of living crisis leave Northern Ireland behind, especially concerning public sector worker pay?
The money made available includes a sum for enabling public sector pay to be settled in Northern Ireland, but it is a matter decided there. The Minister urges parties to restore the Assembly and Executive.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm whether UK Government would join cross-party calls for fair pay.
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Q3
Partial Answer
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The UK is experiencing a record drop in living standards.
Why have the UK Government left households out in the cold this winter, given increased energy costs and colder temperatures?
Further cost of living support through the winter period was announced, including £900 payments to eligible households across the UK. The Minister emphasizes the need for prosperity in Northern Ireland and points out that disposable incomes there are particularly squeezed.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address leaving households 'out in the cold'.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Earnings in Northern Ireland fell by 1.8% month-on-month, while UK earnings rose by 1.2%. Earnings difference is the biggest on record.
What steps are being taken now to offer a sustainable pay deal for public sector workers in the absence of a functioning Stormont?
A substantial sum is available for parties in the package, and the Government are seized of the need to ensure that public sector workers have a pay rise. However, decisions on this matter must be taken by the devolved Government in Northern Ireland.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps being taken for sustainable pay deal.
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Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government's package to support people with the cost of living amounts to about £94 billion over two years.
Can my right hon. Friend assure that people in Northern Ireland have had full access to these cost of living support measures?
Northern Ireland households benefited from unprecedented Government support, including energy price guarantee on electricity and gas bills; £600 in payments; targeted support for vulnerable households. The Minister assures that the UK Union benefits Northern Ireland.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific assurance about full access to measures.
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Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The Melted Parents campaign group speaks for parents across Northern Ireland facing hard times due to cost of living crisis.
Will a new temporary Budget include childcare funding provision if it is debated in the House?
The issue is very important and frequently raised. The Budget will be debated, and it is hoped that we will return to this matter. Emphasis is placed on restoring the Executive in Northern Ireland.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm inclusion of childcare funding provision in the Budget.
Vagueness
Response accuracy