Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Cost of Living Increases 2023-09-13

2023-09-13

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Christine Jardine Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
▸ Context
The question addresses recent discussions on how the cost of living impacts people in both the UK and Scotland. The context includes concerns over food inflation, higher energy bills, and potential council tax hikes.
What recent discussions has he held with the Scottish Government regarding the impact of increases in the cost of living on people in (a) the UK and (b) Scotland? I thank the Minister for his answer. He will know that my constituents face food inflation, higher energy bills, unfair standing charges for electricity, and a potential council tax hike by the Scottish Government affecting 14,500 households.
John Lamont
Our Government have taken assertive action on the cost of living. The United Kingdom Government's focus has been on supporting everyone with specific targeted support and tailored interventions for the most vulnerable. Along with a record block grant, the spring Budget provided the Scottish Government with an extra £320 million over the next two years, on top of the £1.5 billion in additional funding from 2022.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about mitigating the council tax hike was not addressed directly.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Christine Jardine Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
▸ Context
The question addresses the impact of food inflation, higher energy bills, and potential council tax hikes in Edinburgh West. The context includes concerns over financial burdens on households.
My constituents face food inflation, higher energy bills, unfair standing charges for electricity, and a potential council tax hike by the Scottish Government affecting 14,500 households. Will the UK Government be speaking to the Scottish Government to try to mitigate this issue?
John Lamont
I share concerns about the SNP-Green Government's tax plans that hike up the tax burden for many households already facing pressures. The spring Budget provided the Scottish Government with an extra £320 million over two years, on top of £1.5 billion from 2022.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about mitigating the impact was not addressed directly.
Response accuracy