Cost of Living 2023-03-29
2023-03-29
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows discussions about the cost of living crisis affecting households and families across Scotland, with over a quarter struggling to pay energy bills and facing potential increases.
What recent discussions has he had on the cost of living support for Scottish households? What measures are being taken beyond the current guarantees?
Ministers have regular discussions on cost of living support. Additional measures include maintaining the energy price guarantee until June this year and changes to universal credit to help people return to work. Total support for an average household is £3,300 over the current year.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about UK and Scottish Governments working together was not directly addressed.
This Government Continue To Do Everything We Possibly Can To Support The Most Vulnerable In Society.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question highlights that over a quarter of Scottish households are struggling with energy bills and living in fuel poverty, likely to worsen due to inflation and potential price hikes.
Does the Minister accept that more support is needed for those struggling? He asks for UK and Scottish Governments to focus on addressing the cost of living crisis rather than other issues.
The Government continues to provide support for vulnerable groups. Total cost of living support amounts to £3,300 per average household over the year. The focus is on providing help while avoiding inflationary pressures.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific ask about UK and Scottish Government cooperation.
The Situation Requires Continued Cost Of Living Support.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Concerns about the deposit return scheme's impact on costs for brewers, pubs and distilleries and its potential to drive up consumer prices.
Is he aware that the Scottish Government's planned deposit return scheme will increase costs for breweries, pubs and distilleries? Does he support calls for a rethink of implementation?
The Scottish deposit return scheme does not work. Tesco's chief executive said it risks driving up prices and suggested a UK-wide scheme would be better.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
High inflation rates, food price increases above 15%, and consecutive interest rate hikes exacerbate the cost of living crisis in Scotland.
Does he agree that a proper windfall tax should have been implemented to help struggling families, as proposed by Liz Twist?
No, the Government does not support an additional windfall tax but has taken measures to help households and businesses in Scotland.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy