Inflation and Cost of Living Increases 2023-01-11
2023-01-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the impact of high inflation and increased cost of living in Scotland, referencing global economic challenges.
What recent assessment has been made regarding the impact of increases in inflation and the cost of living on Scotland?
The UK faces high inflation. The Government are committed to supporting vulnerable households with £12 billion of direct support and the energy price guarantee saving a typical Scottish household £900 this winter.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific assessment details requested but not provided
Committed
Support
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Inquires about the government's stance on following examples set by France and Germany in managing energy costs, highlighting their public ownership approach.
What representations have been made to Government colleagues regarding following European examples of public ownership for managing energy prices?
The Government are committed to supporting vulnerable households through inflationary crisis with extra support including record-breaking block grant and £1.5 billion additional funding from the Barnett consequentials, alongside energy support packages.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific policy representations requested but not provided
Committed
Support
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
References data showing higher standing charges for Scottish households compared to the UK average, questioning why Scotland is paying more despite its high energy production.
Why are people in energy-rich Scotland paying more for energy despite producing over 60% of UK gas and a third of green electricity?
Ofgem is currently reviewing the charging structure, and the UK Government continue to engage with Ofgem as part of that process. Recommendations will be brought forward once completed.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific explanation requested but not provided
Reviewing
Engaging
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Discusses analysis showing average wages in Scotland are lower than when the Government came to power, attributing this to Tory and SNP incompetence.
Does the Minister agree that 13 years of Tory wage stagnation has resulted in a cost of living crisis for families in Scotland?
No, I do not agree. The Government are committed to ensuring wages go further and people keep more of what they earn, with a 9.7% increase in national living wage from April 2023.
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Assessment & feedback
Agreement on the crisis cause requested but not confirmed or denied directly
Agree
Committed
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Highlights strikes by teachers, nurses, and ambulance workers due to wage stagnation, questioning the government's approach of stripping workers of their rights.
Does the Minister think it is right to clap public sector workers one year only to propose sacking them for asking for a fair pay rise?
Public sector workers are striking due to SNP incompetence. This Government are ensuring public services are protected through anti-strike legislation, protecting essential service users from strikes.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific fairness of actions requested but not addressed directly
Striking
Incompetence
Response accuracy