Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows concerns about the increasing number of people experiencing destitution in Leeds East despite government initiatives.
What steps his Department is taking to help reduce the number of people experiencing destitution. The Government rolled out £104 billion in cost of living payments from 2022 to 2025, but it remains unclear if these measures are sufficient given that 4 million people now live in destitution.
The Government are fully committed to protecting the most vulnerable, having rolled out £104 billion in cost of living payments from 2022 to 2025. The rates for Local Housing Allowance housing support have been increased and benefits by 6.7%.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not specify steps being taken to reduce destitution beyond general measures.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns have been raised about the lack of additional support for disabled people this winter despite previous promises. The separate disability cost of living payment has reportedly been dropped.
It is heartbreaking that 4 million people live in destitution, with disabled individuals more likely to be among them. Despite this, disabled people will not receive any additional help with the cost of living due to the removal of a specific disability cost of living payment. With costs rising for disabled people, will the Secretary of State commit to reinstating the payment and at a level that meets extra living costs faced by disabled individuals?
I am not sure which specific disability payment is being referred to, but the cost of living disability payment has been made this year. In addition, there have been increases in the national living wage and tax cuts that help people on low pay. Since 2010, absolute poverty has fallen by 1.7 million and 400,000 fewer children are in poverty.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not commit to reinstating the specific disability cost of living payment.
Response accuracy