Cost of Living Support for Vulnerable Households 2023-03-06

2023-03-06

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Context
The MP is concerned about the financial pressures faced by vulnerable households due to cost increases.
What steps his Department is taking to support the most vulnerable households with increases in costs. The Government recognise the pressures people are facing and have acted, providing cost of living support worth over £37 billion in 2022-23. In April, we are going further by uprating benefits, state pensions and the benefit cap by 10.1%. We are also providing £1 billion for the extension of the household support fund in England.
The Government recognise the pressures people are facing and have acted, providing cost of living support worth over £37 billion in 2022-23. In April, we are going further by uprating benefits, state pensions and the benefit cap by 10.1%. We are also providing £1 billion for the extension of the household support fund in England, with Barnett consequentials for the devolved Administrations. That includes £12.4 million for Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council residents from October 2021 to March next year.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Direct Answer
Context
The MP is interested in the legislative measures being taken to ensure that cost of living payments are reaching those most in need.
Will my hon. Friend confirm that her Department has changed the way it makes cost of living payments, so that those in the most need continue to benefit, while ensuring that we do not overburden the hard-working majority of my constituents in Rother Valley with ever higher taxes? We are legislating this afternoon for the three further cost of living payments for the next financial year.
I thank my hon. Friend for making that point. We are legislating this afternoon for the three further cost of living payments for the next financial year, ensuring that more people are eligible for support and that we are reaching the most vulnerable. The payments will be worth up to £900, with a further £300 for pensioners and £150 for those with a disability. In Rother Valley, we estimate that 10,600 households will be eligible for means-tested cost of living payments, and that 11,800 households will be eligible for disability cost of living support.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Debbie Abrahams Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Context
The MP is inquiring about an ongoing issue with the Department for Work and Pensions regarding deaths of and discrimination against disabled claimants.
It has been nearly 12 months since the Equality and Human Rights Commission issued a section 23 notice against the Department for Work and Pensions, following concerns about the deaths of and discrimination against disabled claimants. Has an agreement yet been reached, and, if not, when will it be? I thank the hon. Lady for her point.
I thank the hon. Lady for her point. I am assured by the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work that constructive conversations are ongoing and that this matter is being taken seriously.
Assessment & feedback
specific timeline or agreement
This Matter Is Being Taken Seriously
Response accuracy