Low-income Households Cost of Living 2022-06-06
2022-06-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The cost of living in the UK has risen sharply, prompting concerns about whether universal credit payments are adequate for recipients.
What recent assessment have you made of the adequacy of universal credit payment levels given the rise in the cost of living?
We have announced £15 billion in further cost of living support, bringing our total package to £37 billion this year. Through the Government's recent interventions, we are targeting those most in need. Our package equates to at least £1,200 for almost 8 million of the most vulnerable households.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The adequacy assessment was not provided; only support amounts were mentioned.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
A report by Carers Trust Tyne and Wear highlighted that carers allowance is the lowest benefit of its kind, yet those who receive it will get no cost of living support.
Does the Minister believe carers allowance is adequate in light of the current cost of living crisis? Will he take steps to address this issue?
I echo what my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has already said. I also highlight the fact that households that pay energy bills will receive the £400 cash grant to support them, and that if somebody with a disability lives in a household, there will be further funding with the £150 disability cost of living payment.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the adequacy or need for improvements in carers allowance specifically.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
A constituent with severe sight impairment and learning difficulties lives with his mother, who supplements his living expenses from her own pensioner poverty pot. This situation highlights the issue of inflation increasing poverty levels.
What urgent action will the Minister take to address this injustice for a severely disabled person and his impoverished mother during the cost of living crisis?
I do not know the exact details of that case, but there may be opportunities in that household to explore pension credits. Of course, the Chancellor, with support from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, recently announced that the household support fund has also been increased by a further £500 million, until April next year.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify actions to address the injustice for disabled individuals and their carers directly.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Scottish Government have increased child payments, supporting more than 100,000 children. This has raised questions about the UK's response to similar issues.
Why will the UK Government not commit to increasing universal credit by an equivalent amount over the same timescale and extend it to those on legacy benefits?
As we have highlighted, we have just set out a really significant increase in benefits payments as part of the package that is now worth £37 billion. As a result of the work we are doing not just to provide support but to enable people to get into work, there are now 200,000 fewer children in the UK who are in absolute poverty before housing costs.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to an equivalent increase in universal credit or extension to legacy benefits.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
42% of universal credit claimants face deductions averaging £61 a month, raising questions about the adequacy and predictability of their income.
How is it acceptable that 42% of universal credit claimants face deductions of, on average, £61 a month? What action will be taken to address this?
We have already set out our cost of living payments, which will benefit 8 million households in the UK. They are significant and much needed as we face these current cost of living challenges. It is also important to highlight that, over the past couple of years, we have seen the maximum amount that can be taken in deductions from benefits fall from 40% to 30% and now down to 25%.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address the acceptability or propose specific actions for these deductions.
Response accuracy