Topical Questions 2023-05-09
2023-05-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Which? reported that 2 million UK households missed payments, with 700,000 related to housing last month.
The consumer voice organisation Which? has recently found that 2 million UK households missed a key payment for their mortgage, rent, loan or credit card. Last month alone, 700,000 of these related to housing, so when will the Tory Government wake up to the fact that the cost of living crisis is far from over and what do they intend to do about it?
In previous answers, I have set out a number of the interventions the Government have taken to help the most vulnerable. I have mentioned the household support fund, the benefits that accrue to all those who are on means-tested benefits, particularly pensioner households, and those who are eligible for disability benefit. As I have also said, the money that the Government have made available is designed to focus on those who are most in need, and we will continue to look out for the most vulnerable through this difficult time.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific timeframe and concrete measures not provided
Under Review
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The Conservative government's economic strategy and its impact.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that fiscal responsibility is vital if we are to cut inflation and grow the economy? Does he also agree that the Labour party's £90 billion of unfunded spending commitments would put all of that at risk, with higher taxes and more borrowing the inevitable result?
I could not agree more. Responsible public spending is at the core of getting our economy into a state where it can grow, and the £90 billion of unfunded spending pledges made by Opposition Members will be scrutinised very carefully, I am sure, by many in the months ahead.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Labour party argues that after 13 years in power, the Conservatives have led to higher energy bills and lower wages.
The Conservatives have now had 13 years in office—wages lower, the weekly food shop astronomical, energy bills unprecedented, 24 Tory tax rises and the national debt has ballooned —so can I ask: after 13 years of Conservative Government, does the Minister think that people feel better off, or worse off?
What I can tell the right hon. Lady is that, since 2010, there has been a 25% increase in real take-home pay for workers on the national living wage and, recently, the national living wage increased to £10.42 an hour—a 9.7% increase—for those over the age of 23. In 2009-10, there was a deficit of £158 billion. Before we got into covid, it was down to £38 billion. We have gone through the most tremendous challenges that this country has seen for about 100 years. I think most people in this country understand that this Government have acted on the challenges we have faced in office.
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Assessment & feedback
The question of whether people feel better off is not directly addressed with a clear answer
Under Review
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Labour party argues the government is not doing enough to address the cost of living crisis.
The Government have had 13 years, and the answer to the question “Do people feel better off?” is a resounding no. This morning, I met 22 newly elected council leaders from the Labour party, who are creating emergency plans to help to tackle the cost of living crisis in their communities. Why will the Conservative Government not play their part, do the right thing, close the loopholes in their oil and gas tax and help working people in Britain, as a Labour Government would do?
I congratulate those successful across the country in last week's elections, but what business leaders want and what the country wants is steady policy making, delivering growth in the economy, dealing with the biggest scourge on the economy, which is inflation—[Interruption.] The right hon. Lady says from a sedentary position that we have had 13 years. We spent £400 billion when we had a global pandemic, where we had to shut down the economy. When we came out of it, we had high inflation consequential on a war that we have not had in Europe for over 70 years. Those are the realities and that is what this Government have responded to.
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Assessment & feedback
The specifics of closing tax loopholes were not addressed
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
Regenerating town centres was a key part of the local election campaign in Torbay.
Regenerating our town centres was a key part of the local election campaign in Torbay. Would my right hon. Friend meet me, my hon. Friend the Member for Totnes (Anthony Mangnall) and the new leadership of Torbay Council to discuss what further fiscal steps can be taken to support those aims?
I am always happy to meet my hon. Friend. I congratulate him on his leadership of his council candidates last week and the excellent result that he secured. Of course, we have invested in many coastal communities across the country, and we are keen to discuss the specifics of how the Government can support him as he drives that local constituency and economy forward.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Manufacturing body Make UK warned the government that a national industrial strategy is needed to tackle regional inequalities.
Today, manufacturing body Make UK warned the Government that, to tackle regional inequalities and compete on a national stage, we need a national industrial strategy as a matter of urgency. Do Ministers recognise that the reason wages in the north-east are falling under the Tories is their lack of an industrial strategy and their failure to follow Labour's example and commit to a modern industrial strategy that invests in the industries of the future and delivers good-quality jobs across our country?
No, I do not recognise that characterisation. What I recognise is that the Government are determined to see the economy grow. I see investment in investment zones focused in the hon. Lady's region, working with the excellent universities that she is familiar with. I see a Government who are putting £100 million into the foundation model taskforce, £900 million to invest in a supercomputer to fund AI, a quantum strategy that is generally seen as world leading, as well as £160 million of investment in the tech sector. So this is a Government who are committed to the growth industries of the future.
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Assessment & feedback
The need for an industrial strategy not explicitly acknowledged
Under Review
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust is set to receive £400 million for a new hospital, but the funds are still held by the Treasury. The trust faces delays in receiving the money.
I am concerned that University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust will not receive its promised £400 million funding for a new hospital because the money is still with the Treasury. Can my right hon Friend confirm when UHL will receive the funds, and whether this might be increased to account for construction cost rises?
Delivery of new hospital infrastructure and prioritisation within health budgets is a matter for the Department of Health and Social Care, but I know from frequent conversations with the Secretary of State that he is working tirelessly to ensure as many new hospitals as possible. I shall make representations to him after these questions.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline or amount increase for construction cost rises was not addressed
Delivery And Prioritisation Matters Are With The Department Of Health And Social Care
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
It has been reported that BP and Equinor sought written guarantees about assets acquired for the Teesworks site. The questioner seeks confirmation on similar checks by the Treasury.
I have read reports that, prior to any investment, BP and Equinor sought written assurances regarding the acquisition of assets at the Teesworks freeport site. Given the importance of this freeport for jobs in Teesside, can the Treasury confirm whether they too made similar checks?
I am sorry, I cannot answer that question. But I am happy to meet the hon Gentleman to look at the serious matter he has raised and get an answer for him.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific checks requested by BP and Equinor were not addressed
Cannot Provide A Direct Answer But Will Meet To Discuss
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
MPs from across Parliament have called for a review of the East West Rail project due to concerns about its cost and alternatives. The Conservative candidate in Bedford called for a review, winning the mayoralty.
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury knows that MPs have written about greener alternatives to East West Rail and that the Conservative mayoral candidate won on a promise of reviewing the project. Will you meet me urgently to discuss further?
I would be happy to meet my hon Friend, and congratulate the Mayor of his home town of Bedford for the success he had last week.
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Assessment & feedback
Meeting request was not confirmed
Congratulates On Mayoralty Win Instead
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
Research shows a significant funding gap between £81 billion and £111 billion is needed to meet UK's net zero targets. Public investment needs to be increased.
The gap in clean investment required to reach net zero is vast, with estimates ranging from £81 billion to £111 billion. Given the importance of public investment in reaching net zero goals, will Ministers consider increasing the capacity of the UK Infrastructure Bank?
The Government are leading the way with the recently published green finance strategy, but that stands as part of a broader piece of work, unleashing productive finance into all parts of the economy and in particular funding the transition, which is capital intensive.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific commitment to increase bank capacity was given
Broader Strategy Mentioned Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
MPs met the Chancellor to discuss concerns about core funding for special educational needs, social care, and transport in Leicestershire.
I am concerned about the core funding of special educational needs, social care, and transport in Leicestershire. What more can the Minister do to address these funding issues?
I know my right hon Friend the Chancellor welcomed that meeting on 25 April. The Government remain committed to improving the local government finance landscape, and in doing so they will work closely with local partners, including Leicestershire, and take stock of the challenges and opportunities across the sector.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific action beyond commitment was provided
Commitment To Improve Finance Landscape Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner questions the government's focus on protecting non-doms while not sufficiently investing in the NHS, contrasting with Labour's stance.
Why are the Prime Minister and Government Ministers so keen to protect non-dom status while not investing sufficiently in our NHS as compared to what Labour would do?
We are mindful of the very real impact that non-doms make on our revenues and we have managed to tighten the rules around non-dom status. We also spend record amounts on the NHS.
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Assessment & feedback
Insufficient NHS funding compared to Labour was not addressed directly
Focus On Revenue Impact Of Non-Doms
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
The Labour party in Stoke-on-Trent is reported to consider cancelling the £56 million levelling-up funding, which was secured through campaigning.
Labour talks about cancelling £56 million of levelling-up funding going to Stoke-on-Trent. Will the Chief Secretary confirm that the Conservative Government will support this investment and deliver it?
We are committed to the people of Stoke-on-Trent and recognise that enormous investment, thanks to my hon Friend's work in campaigning for investment through the levelling-up fund. It is down to the council to deliver on that significant investment and make a difference on the ground.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific support or confirmation was not provided
Acknowledges Commitment But Does Not Confirm
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
The transition to net zero is a priority, but the Acorn project's funding has been delayed.
With the transition to net zero as our top priority, when will the Treasury accelerate its funding for the Acorn project in north-east Scotland so people there can benefit from job opportunities?
We have made commitments on the first phase. The Chancellor is considering the next steps further and will update the House in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline was not provided
Phase Commitments Acknowledged But Future Updates Pending
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
Financial Times reported meetings between the Treasury and Department of Health regarding compensation following the infected blood inquiry.
The Financial Times reports that there have been meetings between the Treasury and Department of Health about compensation for victims of the infected blood scandal. Can you confirm these meetings, who was present, and assure those affected that full compensation will be implemented as recommended by Sir Brian Langstaff?
The Minister for the Cabinet Office updated the House on this matter a couple of weeks ago, and I am sure he will be keen to do so again when those conversations have taken place.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific confirmation was not given, only past update mentioned
Previous Updates Acknowledged But No New Information
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
Local campaigns in Hannah Bardell's constituency are trying to protect local arts venues and swimming pools from closures due to mismanagement by the Labour and Conservative administration following years of austerity.
This morning, before I left my constituency, I attended a rally organised by “Hands off Howden Park” and “Save our Pools”, which are two incredible campaigns in my constituency trying to protect our arts venues and pools from closing. Unfortunately, they have been mismanaged by the Labour and Conservative administration, and those results are the reality to be faced after a decade and a half of austerity has decimated public funding. When will the Government stop wasting money on things like Brexit and nuclear weapons and properly fund our pools and arts venues?
We do not typically make specific decisions on local authorities from Whitehall, but we have committed to significant additional funds for local authorities and funding for the Scottish Government through the Barnett formula. I will leave the hon. Member to continue to lobby and campaign with her constituents to get those decisions made on the ground.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific request for more funds for arts venues and pools was not addressed directly.
We Do Not Typically Make Specific Decisions On Local Authorities From Whitehall
Response accuracy