Cost of Living Support for Disabled People 2023-03-06
2023-03-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by the rising costs impacting disabled people.
What steps has the Department taken to support disabled people with increases in costs?
Six million people receiving an eligible disability benefit received a £150 disability cost of living payment last year, and they will receive a further £150 payment this year. Those on a qualifying means-tested benefit will also receive up to £900 in cost of living payments.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the importance of employment for better health outcomes among disabled individuals.
What more can be done to create a conducive environment for those suffering from disabilities to get back into work?
We are committed to supporting people into work and retaining roles. We recognise that work is a determinant of better health outcomes for many disabled people. Feedback about what more we might do will be taken on board, and I am delighted to have a conversation with my hon. Friend based on his experiences.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions and commitments were not provided beyond acknowledging the importance of work for health outcomes.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question highlights a lack of understanding from the UK Government regarding the impact of cost-of-living crisis on people in Scotland, based on polling data.
Do Ministers accept that 70% of respondents in Stirling feel the UK Government does not understand the impact of the cost of living crisis?
Certainly not, and I am delighted that I actually have a far more constructive working relationship with the Scottish Minister responsible for these issues than the question from the hon. Member suggests.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific sentiment about understanding was not addressed; instead, the answer shifted to discussing working relationships.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The question highlights energy cost burdens on families with disabled children who depend on medical equipment.
What more can the Department and Government do to ensure that families do not turn off essential medical machines due to high energy costs?
We of course have a comprehensive package of support in place, including discretionary support through the household support fund and administered by local authorities. However, I am very mindful of the need to future-proof people against those costs, and that is work that I am currently looking at.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures were not committed to beyond acknowledging current support packages.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The question highlights the injustice of denying a cost-of-living increase to legacy benefits.
Will the Minister commit to reintroducing and increasing the universal credit uplift for all legacy benefit claimants?
I thank the hon. Lady for her suggestion of new policy, but I am not in a position to create it on the hoof. There are significant cost of living support measures in place and individuals will be able to access appropriate support.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific commitment was avoided by referring to existing measures without addressing the new policy request directly.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses a significant increase in personal independence payment claims being disallowed for non-return of the AR1 review form.
When will the Minister take action to investigate why there has been a 461% increase in the number of PIP claims disallowed?
There may be many and varied reasons for individuals not returning forms, including circumstances changing materially. I am very happy to take the point away and look at it further.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline or commitment was given; only willingness to 'look at it'.
Response accuracy