Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Cost of Living 2023-02-22

2023-02-22

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Ronnie Cowan
▸ Context
The UK faces high inflation, affecting many countries. The question addresses the specific impact on people in Scotland due to rising costs.
What assessment he has made of the impact of increases in the cost of living on people in Scotland?
John Lamont
The UK faces high inflation. The Prime Minister is prioritising tackling inflation. The Government are committed to supporting vulnerable households with £12 billion-worth of direct support in 2023-24. The energy price guarantee saves a typical household in Scotland about £900 this winter.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific assessment of the impact on people in Scotland
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
David Linden
▸ Context
The question addresses issues with UK welfare, referencing an incident where baby formula was put behind the tills in Co-ops due to fears of theft.
Will the Minister outline what has gone wrong with the UK welfare state when we have got to a stage where baby formula has to be put away because of fears of theft?
John Lamont
The Chancellor outlined steps to help vulnerable households in Scotland and across the UK. Payments are being made to support households this winter. The Government continue to explore new ways of tackling poverty and protecting the most vulnerable.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Did not outline issues with the welfare state or address baby formula incident specifically
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Ronnie Cowan
▸ Context
Scotland is a net energy exporter but faces higher electricity costs than other European countries. Energy companies are making significant profits.
Does the Secretary of State think it right that Scots face the highest bills in Europe while the UK Government allow energy companies to make billions in profit?
John Lamont
The Government are putting in place tax arrangements for excessive profits made by BP, Shell, and others at 75%. I do not accept the hon. Gentleman's analysis about Scotland; this Government have put in place measures to support households during winter and will continue assessing further measures.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether it is right that Scots face high bills while energy companies profit
Response accuracy