Poverty and Inequality 2023-09-13
2023-09-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asked about discussions on reducing poverty and inequality, referencing the Scottish Government's efforts and the UK government's stance.
What discussions has he held with Cabinet colleagues and the Scottish Government on the effectiveness of steps being taken to reduce rates of (a) poverty and (b) inequality in Scotland?
The United Kingdom Government are committed to a sustainable approach to tackling poverty and supporting people on lower incomes. We have made substantial investment, including welfare spending of around £276 billion, to help mitigate the worst of cost of living impacts. The best route out of poverty is through work, therefore our focus remains firmly on supporting people to move into and progress in work.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide details on specific discussions or effectiveness measures.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP referenced the success of Scotland's child payment programme, asking why the UK government does not follow this example.
Scotland has the lowest rates of child poverty in the UK with the game-changing Scottish child payment helping more than 300,000 children and lifting 50,000 out of poverty. Why do the UK Government continue to refuse to follow such a successful example?
The UK Government have ensured that cost of living challenges have been tackled by working in tandem with the Scottish Government and using reserved and devolved levers to get the best outcomes for everybody across Scotland. The benefit cap levels were increased by 10.1% from April, and the national living wage was raised by 9.7% to £10.42 an hour.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why UK government does not follow Scotland's approach.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the increase in child poverty in Scotland over the past decade, questioning the effectiveness of both UK and Scottish governments.
After 16 years of SNP Government and 13 years of the Tories, one in four children in Scotland lives in poverty. There are 40,000 more children in poverty compared to a decade ago. This week it was revealed that three members of the Scottish Government's own Poverty and Inequality Commission resigned. Does the Minister agree that both governments should work more urgently and effectively to tackle child poverty?
I welcome the hon. Gentleman to his new position. The UK Government are committed to protecting the most vulnerable in society and have taken decisive steps, including additional spending of £137.5 billion on pensioners, £67.9 billion on disabled people, £114.3 billion on working-age benefits and child welfare, uprated benefits and pensions in line with inflation, and raised the national living wage.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address whether he agrees more urgent action is needed.
Response accuracy