Cost of Living Crisis 2023-01-18
2023-01-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The cost of living crisis is affecting both businesses and households, prompting concerns about the economic impact.
What discussions have you had with Cabinet colleagues regarding the impact of rising costs on (a) businesses and (b) households in Wales?
I understand that people across the UK are worried about the cost of living, which is why we have taken decisive action to support households and businesses across the UK. That support includes a £26 billion package for the next financial year, targeted at protecting the most vulnerable.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific discussions with Cabinet colleagues on Wales were not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The cost of living crisis is affecting mental health, with significant numbers of Welsh adults impacted. The fuel support scheme in Wales helps but faces challenges due to inflation.
How does the Secretary of State justify his Government's repeated refusal to support devolved Governments in tackling a crisis created by the UK government?
The UK Government have increased funding for the devolved Administrations. We have increased money for the national health service, but it's a shame that in Wales this funding is not being fully passed on to the NHS.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific refusal of support was not addressed; focus was on general funding increases.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent is struggling with fear of homelessness and mental health issues due to the economic situation. Cardiff Council is £23 million worse off.
Is the Welsh Secretary going to push my constituents to breaking point given their struggles with cost-of-living, financial insecurity, and potential homelessness?
This Government have prioritised help for the least well-off. People on benefits receive £900, pensioners get £300, and households with disabilities receive £150 to support them through the cost of living crisis.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures against pushing constituents to breaking point were not detailed; general support outlined instead.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Government has extended support for mains gas grid but seems uncertain about providing a second round of alternative funding for off-grid premises.
Will the Secretary of State push colleagues for a second round of alternative funding to provide support for off-grid premises ahead of next winter?
The hon. Gentleman is correct that full details of payment have not yet been made clear, but my colleagues in BEIS will come forward with more information about the payment soon.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to a second round was not confirmed; vague response given.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Steel businesses and workers in Wales face challenges due to increased operating costs during the cost of living crisis.
What is the Government's plan for our steel industry and for steelworkers' jobs given their economic conditions?
The UK Government are completely committed to the steel industry, demonstrated with a £30 million loan to Celsa during the covid crisis and various schemes to support high energy use industries. We also have discussions with Tata about further support.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plan was not detailed; general commitment mentioned instead.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Steelworkers in Wales need stability from the government to support local supply chains for floating offshore wind projects. The Crown Estate leases are crucial for this development.
Steelworkers need a Government on their side. The industry needs a partner that can provide stability, not sticking plasters. Floating offshore wind in the Celtic sea is a real opportunity for our steel industry and the wider supply chain in Wales. It would also help to mitigate the impact of the cost of living crisis for many Welsh businesses in the supply chain. If the Government do not provide the necessary stability, we will see platforms being built in France and Spain and floated over to the Welsh coast, which would be absolutely unconscionable. What is the Secretary of State doing to ensure that the Crown Estate leases will use local supply chains in Wales?
I have met the Crown Estate on a number of occasions to discuss the next bidding round for the sites out in the Celtic sea. Obviously we hope to develop the industry. I agree with the brunt of the hon. Lady's question, which is about the importance of developing a floating offshore wind industry off the coast of Wales. I have been trying to ensure that the supply chain is as local as possible. That is why we have supported the conversations between developers and the Crown Estate; it is also why I have personally visited Pembrokeshire to ensure that the growth deal there supports the new infrastructure at the dock that can allow those projects to be floated out to sea.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific measures ensuring local supply chains will be used in Crown Estate leases.
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The company Harlech Foodservice is struggling under soaring energy bills, interest rate hikes in coronavirus business interruption loan scheme repayments. The UK Government's slashing of their energy support has been devastating.
For Harlech Foodservice, a key business in my constituency, last week's news that the UK Government were slashing their energy support for businesses was devastating. The company is already struggling under soaring energy bills and interest rate hikes in coronavirus business interruption loan scheme repayments. Can the Secretary of State clarify the position? Will any support be forthcoming on CBILS repayments, and will any savings made by the Treasury as a result of falling wholesale gas prices be ringfenced for targeted support for small and medium-sized enterprises and vulnerable households?
I hope the right hon. Lady will recognise that over the last year the Government have done an enormous amount to support businesses through the energy price guarantee. They have made it clear that that support package cannot continue at the current level after April, when the next financial year begins, but they have said that they will also make clear, fairly shortly, what the new package will look like.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on future energy support measures or assistance for CBILS repayments.
Confront Some Realities
Opposition To Opening Up Further Oil And Gas Projects
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Following the last Budget, funding for Welsh public services will be worth £3 billion less over the next three years. Key workers are striking and real incomes are in freefall.
I would have appreciated an answer about the coronavirus business interruption loan scheme as well. We all know that extortionate energy costs are part of this Tory winter of discontent, which bookends 13 years of deliberate austerity. Key workers are striking and real incomes are in freefall. Following the last Budget, funding for Welsh public services will be worth £3 billion less over the next three years. Enough is enough, and cutting key workers' salaries is not the right answer. Will the Secretary of State urge the Treasury to reverse this decline by establishing a truly fair funding system for Wales that recognises our nation's needs, taking into account age, disability, and poverty levels?
The right hon. Lady will surely be aware that the Welsh Government are receiving £1.20 per head for public services for every pound that is spent in England. That is why it is so difficult to understand why not only are the waiting lists longer in Wales but educational outcomes are lower, after more than 20 years of a Labour Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the issue of reversing decline in public service funding for Wales.
Propping Up Welsh Labour Government
Response accuracy