Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The cost of living crisis has affected various aspects, including the affordability of pet food.
What discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on temporarily reducing VAT on pet food in the context of increases in the cost of living.
As the hon. Gentleman will know, the Treasury leads on VAT policy, and that includes VAT policy on pet food. The Government are actively considering the impact of the increased cost of living on all aspects of people's lives.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about discussions with the Chancellor was not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Staff from Dogs Trust have reported significant concerns about the impact of the cost of living crisis on pet owners, noting that many are going without meals to feed their pets.
Would the Minister be willing to meet me, along with representatives of the Dogs Trust, to discuss this further and see what support we can provide for pet owners?
I pay tribute to the hon. Gentleman for highlighting that important case. The Government recognise the challenge people are facing with their household bills, which is why the Chancellor of the Exchequer has introduced a huge package providing billions of pounds of support for household incomes. I also pay tribute to Dogs Trust, which is dealing with its own challenges when pets are presented at its centres when families cannot continue to feed them. I will pass the hon. Gentleman's comments to the Treasury and will encourage Treasury Ministers to meet him, but if he has no success in that regard, I shall be happy to continue to work with him to secure the meetings that he requires.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about arranging a meeting was not directly committed to.
Response accuracy