Cost of Living Impact on Mental Health 2023-12-05
2023-12-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Centre for Mental Health and the British Psychological Society have expressed concerns about increased pressure on claimants' mental health due to benefit sanctions or job-seeking coercion.
The recent Centre for Mental Health, the British Psychological Society, and others raised serious concerns about the UK Government's new back to work plan. They warned that applying more benefit sanctions or coercing people into jobseeking would be detrimental to claimants struggling with mental health issues. Does the Minister share my concern about this, and has she made any representations to her Cabinet colleagues about the mental health impact of these measures?
We support people with mental health issues to get into work. We believe that these individuals should have opportunities for good jobs and careers, as supported by Mind, which states that employment provides a sense of identity and structure, enhancing support, confidence, and ambition.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific mental health concerns about the back-to-work plan were not addressed directly
That Is The Difference Between The Snp And Conservatives
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Centre for Mental Health, British Psychological Society warned the UK government about negative impacts of increased sanctions and job-seeking pressure on individuals with mental health issues.
Concerns have been raised regarding the UK Government's new back-to-work plan, particularly around applying benefit sanctions or coercing people into seeking jobs. These measures may adversely affect claimants with mental health challenges. Does the Minister share these concerns? Has she made any representations to her Cabinet colleagues about the mental health impact of such measures?
The SNP's approach differs from that of the Conservatives, who believe in supporting people with mental health issues to secure employment. We assert that individuals should have opportunities for career advancement and not just job acquisition.
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Assessment & feedback
That Is The Difference Between The Snp And The Conservatives
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
A study by Magic Breakfast and British Nutrition Foundation indicated that healthy breakfasts can improve children's nutritional intake, physical and cognitive development, and mental health.
A recent study showed that eating a healthy breakfast can enhance the nutritional intake of vulnerable children, aiding their physical and cognitive growth as well as their mental health. Will my hon. Friend work with Department for Education colleagues to expand school breakfast provision in order to mitigate the impact of child food insecurity?
We seek a cross-Government approach for mental health provision, as outlined in our suicide prevention strategy which involves multiple Departments. Regarding support for nutrition in schools, I will raise this with colleagues in the Department for Education to explore further actions.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Research by the Mental Health Foundation indicated that a third of UK adults felt anxious, more than a quarter felt stressed, and almost one in ten felt hopeless due to the cost of living crisis.
I welcome the Secretary of State to her new role. Research found that 30% of UK adults feel anxious, over 25% feel stressed, and nearly 10% feel hopeless because of the cost of living crisis. What representations has the Minister made to Cabinet colleagues regarding this health impact since she took up her post?
The Government provided over £350 billion during the pandemic for job protection and over £60 billion recently to help with energy bills. The Treasury has also introduced schemes such as the Breathing Space programme, which halts creditor enforcement actions and freezes interest for individuals with problem debt experiencing mental health issues.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy