State Pension Cost of Living 2022-07-11
2022-07-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over the state pension's ability to cover rising living costs.
What assessment has been made of the adequacy of the state pension in meeting the rising cost of living?
The Government have announced a £37 billion package of support to help people with the cost of living. The full basic state pension is now £2,300 a year higher than in 2010 and is supported by many other measures.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether the state pension adequately covers rising costs.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Public concern over high severance payments for former ministers amid cost of living crisis.
Given the widespread public revulsion among our constituents feeling the pinch, including state pensioners, does the Minister not see that there is an argument for the non-exercise of the provision allowing £423,000 in severance payments?
This matter will be dealt with by an urgent question that follows. I can confirm it definitely does not apply to me, and frankly I do not think it is an appropriate question for today.
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Assessment & feedback
The issue of severance payments was entirely avoided.
Redirected Towards Urgent Question
Personal Non-Applicability
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over the lack of pension credit recipients among eligible pensioners during cost of living increases.
In the order of 1 million pensioners who should be in receipt of pension credit are still not receiving it, and they lose out on other benefits. Will he show some urgency and compassion for those struggling with cost of living increases?
I sincerely hope that the hon. Gentleman joined in on Pension Credit Day of Action on 15 June, because it is incumbent on all Members of Parliament to get behind the efforts of the Government, and successive Governments, to improve pension credit take-up. The fact of the matter is that this Government have done more to increase take-up and the number of claims than any previous Government. There is no doubt whatsoever that we should all get people to apply, with £3,300-worth of benefits applying for those receiving pension credit.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address urgency or measures to increase take-up specifically.
Encouragement To Join Efforts
Past Achievements
Response accuracy