Topical Questions 2022-07-11
2022-07-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about the Secretary of State's focus on helping households facing financial difficulties.
I am concerned that many of my Luton South constituents are struggling to make ends meet. Across the east of England, 50% of Citizens Advice debt clients are now in a negative budget with their monthly expenditure exceeding income; this is up 12% from the same period in 2019. Does the Secretary of State still think it is a good idea for the Government to raise taxes this year when the UK is the only G7 country to do so?
The hon. Lady will be aware of the £37 billion package going to households, £15 billion of which is being deployed this year. People have received some elements through council tax support, and I outlined cost of living payments. The national living wage has been lifted to £9.50 an hour and the taper rate reduced to 55% for those on universal credit. We target low-income households and continue growing the economy to help households tackle inflation.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not address whether raising taxes is still a good idea in light of current economic conditions.
Under Review
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about the cost of living payment for Carshalton and Wallington residents.
Thanks to universal credit work incentives, some 11,600 Carshalton and Wallington residents will receive a cost of living payment soon. Can she set out what more is being done to ensure even more people from this area get into work?
My hon. Friend continues championing for his constituents. The Way to Work campaign has evolved with more job fairs at jobcentres, bringing employers for interviews and quicker decision-making.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not specify any additional measures beyond the existing initiatives.
Under Review
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised concerns about the predicted rise in energy prices.
It is expected that the energy price cap will increase by £450 more than anticipated, leading to household bills of £3,250, which exceeds a third of the state pension. How does the Secretary of State expect pensioners and families to cope this winter?
The right hon. Gentleman references an external analyst's prediction on energy prices, noting the Government's response with a tailored cost of living payment package and comprehensive support for household energy costs.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not provide specific steps to help households manage higher energy bills.
Under Review
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questioned the feasibility of unfunded tax cut commitments.
Given that colleagues have made £30 billion to £40 billion-worth of unfunded tax cut promises, how do these tax cuts affect state pension, universal credit, and disability benefits? Is it not true that the next Tory Prime Minister will exacerbate the cost of living crisis?
Far from it; this Conservative Government has stepped up to address the cost of living challenge, with £37 billion in support. Future leaders will be judged on their policies as we focus on delivering additional payments starting this week.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not provide specific impacts of tax cuts on benefits and living costs.
Under Review
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about addressing the agricultural sector's worker shortages.
I frequently get complaints from people in agriculture that they cannot find workers locally. What can the Department do, perhaps working with educational institutions like Duchy College in Cornwall, to help jobseekers enter these roles?
My hon. Friend is a strong advocate for her constituents. Jobcentres work with employers in all sectors, connecting them with jobseekers looking for employment. Local jobcentres are encouraged to reach out, and DWP staff have held events with the National Farmers Union and promote jobs through sector-based work academy programmes.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Rejected Work and Pensions Committee recommendation to extend Child Benefit irrespective of immigration status. People with no recourse face difficulties, including malnutrition.
People with no recourse to public funds do not qualify for additional cost-of-living payments, leading to children starving and suffering malnutrition. Does the Secretary of State believe this is acceptable in the 21st century?
People arriving without recourse to public funds are not eligible for child benefit. Families in difficulty can apply for a review of this status with the Home Office; local councils design household support fund use.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address if this policy is acceptable or discuss malnutrition issue directly.
Change Subject To Local Council Responsibility
Avoid Discussing Acceptability Of Policy
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
60,000 people cross the channel illegally each year and are kept on social security for up to 10 years without deportation. Questioner asks about cost.
Does the Secretary of State confirm that the welfare state depends on a social contract where those who pay taxes support pensioners and the unemployed? How is this supported when illegal immigrants stay on benefits, costing money?
Illegal entrants receive a small payment from the Home Office but not direct benefits. Visa schemes provide access to public funds for Ukrainians and Afghans.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify cost of keeping illegal immigrants on social security.
Redirected Attention To Legal Immigration Support
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
1 in 5 UK pensioners live in poverty, 1.3 million retirees are undernourished, and 25,000 die yearly due to cold weather. Cuts affect Liverpool West Derby women.
One fifth of UK pensioners live in poverty; many are undernourished or die from cold. Pension cuts worsen the situation. Will the Secretary of State discuss with Chancellor to reverse these changes and provide full restitution for 5,360 affected women?
State pension has almost doubled under coalition and Conservative Governments. Pensioner poverty is declining; average support through pension credit is £3,300 plus household fund.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm discussions with Chancellor or restitution for affected women.
Stated General Improvements In State Pension
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Four out of ten refused disability benefit do not appeal; two-thirds win if they do, but it takes months. This affects poverty among many people.
40% refuse to appeal for disability benefits due to long wait times; 2/3 succeed when appealing. Does the Secretary of State feel ashamed about this process that traps tens of thousands in poverty?
Department works to ensure early correct support through trust-building. White Paper on health and disability assessments follows Green Paper with 4,500 responses.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address shame or specific actions beyond trust-building efforts.
Redirected To Future White Paper
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
337,000 overpaid in universal credit last year; only 10 debts waived. Claimants spend funds in good faith but then face unaffordable repayments.
Last year saw 337k overpayment errors with debt waived just 10 times. Will the Minister align universal credit no-fault debts with legacy benefits for non-repayability?
We aim to balance needs of taxpayers and benefit recipients, working hard to ensure correct payments.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address alignment with legacy benefits or specifics on no-fault debts.
Emphasised Balancing Taxpayer/Beneficiary Needs Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
Department annual report revealed an additional 103,000 women affected by short-changed pensions. This contradicts recent rosy impressions given to the Select Committee.
Annual report shows 103k more women affected by short-changed pensions. How long will they wait for legal entitlement? Will there be further upward revisions?
Over 500 people currently working on the issue, rising to over 1300 soon; aiming for resolution in near future.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific timeframe or confirm no further revisions.
Emphasised Ongoing Efforts Without Precise Timeline
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP has been campaigning to extend the deadline for backdating claims of pension credit, arguing that people need support as they face difficult choices between heating and eating during winter.
I know what the Government have said they are doing to increase the uptake of pension credit, and that is good; I do not want to hear it again, though. I also know that people can backdate their claims for pension credit, so anyone who makes a successful application by 24 August this year will receive the £650. However, I have been campaigning for the deadline to be extended to the end of the fiscal year, because I think that as we go into the winter, that is what will concentrate people's minds when they have to make the very real choice between heating and eating. I am not asking the Minister to commit himself to doing this today, but will he commit himself to at least considering extending the deadline to 31 March next year?
The uptake of pension credit is clearly to be applauded, and I sincerely hope that the hon. Lady was behind the pension credit day of action and is behind the messages that we are all trying to put out. That is not all, however. On Thursday we will make the £326 cost of living payment, which will drop £1 million in payments every single working day, and there will be a further £324 payment in the autumn. We are also providing the energy support grant of £400, which will go to every individual in the country, as well as the £300 winter fuel payment, the council tax rebate, and various other household support grants. All those are available to individuals up and down the country, and will also support pensioners.
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Assessment & feedback
Extending the backdating claim deadline for pension credit until 31 March next year
Acknowledging Positive Aspects Of Current Efforts
Providing Information On Other Benefits
Response accuracy