Cost of Living 2022-03-21
2022-03-21
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question follows concerns about the rising cost of living and its impact on constituents, especially those relying on universal credit.
I am concerned about the rise in the cost of living. Whether she has had discussions with the Chancellor ahead of the spring statement to address this issue.
Yes, I have. There has been a cross-Government effort to tackle the cost of living; that has been ongoing for some time, and was most recently revealed by the Chancellor's announcement on council tax rebates and the phasing of energy bills.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from the ongoing debate on tackling the cost of living, specifically referencing Jack Monroe's assertion that this issue could be fatal and questioning previous government measures such as universal credit cuts.
Jack Monroe was right to say this cost of living crisis could be fatal for some. Has the Secretary urged the Chancellor to reverse the £20 universal credit cut or replicate Scotland's £20 per week child payment? Where is her comprehensive plan to stop constituents suffering?
There is ongoing cross-Government effort. The Chancellor's announcement on council tax rebates and phasing of energy bills are part of the response. Taper rate was reduced to 55% in autumn Budget, making people better off working.
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Assessment & feedback
reversing the £20 universal credit cut and replicating Scotland's child payment
Council Tax Rebate Is Not A Loan
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Research by York University indicates that securing child maintenance payments could lift many children in single-parent households out of poverty. The question calls for more action on this issue.
Research shows receiving child maintenance would help 60% of children living in single-parent households currently not receiving it. What plans does the Department have to move forward with home curfew to penalise non-payers?
I agree that more should be done. Specific power was created in primary legislation and it is my intention later this year to bring the curfew order into effect after appropriate consultation across Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The question criticises the Government's approach to job creation, particularly recent back-office job cuts in the Department. It also questions whether the Chancellor will follow Scotland's 6% benefit uprating.
Given that a plan for jobs meant butchering back-office jobs and considering the Chancellor's wealth, has she suggested he should follow Scotland's approach of uprating benefits by 6%? Is this something she is planning to ask him on Wednesday?
The House voted through the uprating order based on inflation index. We strive to get more people working, seen on payrolls; self-employment surveys may differ but we aim to lift as many out of poverty.
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Assessment & feedback
specific advice to adopt Scotland's benefit uprating strategy and plans for Wednesday discussions
Striving To Get More People Working
Response accuracy