Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the global inflationary pressures affecting the UK, with other G7 countries experiencing higher levels of inflation.
What recent assessment has been made regarding the effects of rising inflation trends on the UK economy?
We are not immune to global inflationary shocks, with eurozone inflation at over 8% and US inflation near 9%. The UK has strong tools to combat inflation including monetary policy, fiscal responsibility, and supply-side reforms.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address any specific commitment or action being taken by the government in response to high inflation levels.
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Inflation disproportionately affects the poorest in society, and there is concern about future inflation expectations.
What steps will be taken to ensure that not only are people protected today from high inflation but also to prevent long-term locking in of high inflation which would hurt the poorest?
The regressive nature of inflation is acknowledged, with recent announcements targeted at those on lowest incomes. The Bank of England will act forcefully to restrain inflation expectations quickly for everyone's benefit.
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Assessment & feedback
While the answer notes steps being taken and acknowledges concerns about future inflation, it does not specify any new commitments or actions beyond what has already been announced.
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK has the highest inflation rate in the G7, while its economic growth forecast is lower than all but one country in the G20.
Why does the Chancellor think that despite similar global pressures, the UK's inflation rates are higher and economic growth forecasts worse compared to other nations?
UK faces energy shocks like Europe but also tight labour market as in US. Low unemployment is celebrated, contributing to inflation. Smaller technical factors such as price cap timing and degree of upstream/downstream interventions affect inflation here. On growth performance, the UK was second highest in G7 post-pandemic according to OECD data.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer provides reasons but does not address what new measures or policies are being planned or implemented specifically for these issues.
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK's high inflation is linked to weakened currency value, increased import prices, and ongoing trade issues from the Brexit deal.
Does he accept that weak pound and continuing trade frictions post-Brexit contribute significantly to our constituents' inflation? Are there plans to address this situation?
Celebrates people being employed despite figures showing challenges. Refutes Labour's Brexit stance, highlighting growing faction within Labour wanting to rejoin single market without specifics on addressing current issues.
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Assessment & feedback
The response diverts from discussing concrete measures or plans related to inflation and trade frictions, instead focusing on a political argument about Brexit.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Scottish Government faces over a 5% real-terms funding cut despite increasing public spending, with rising inflation impacting Scotland's recovery and public services.
Given the significant rise in inflation since the last Budget, will the Chancellor increase funding to devolved Governments like Scotland to support their recovery from the pandemic and mitigate service pressures?
Challenges the Scottish Government's austerity measures despite UK-wide public spending increases. Points out that health budgets are growing faster in England than Scotland and highlights welfare budget differences as reasons.
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Assessment & feedback
Instead of addressing the funding request, the answer focuses on critiquing decisions made by Scottish Government.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The Scottish Parliament operates on a fixed budget without control over certain levers, unlike the UK government. Scotland has implemented free bus travel for under-22s but is constrained by real-term cuts to the block grant.
We do not have the levers that he has to increase budgets and operate within a balanced budget every year. Ireland cut public transport fares to ease commuter burdens, while these have risen under this administration. With fixed budget limits and block grant cuts, if the Chancellor won't provide more money to Scotland, will he give us full powers so we can do more?
We all have fixed budgets and record Barnett settlements for Scotland of £4.5 billion a year. However, Governments make different choices. On this side, we support public services; in Scotland, they impose austerity on them.
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Assessment & feedback
Providing full powers to the Scottish Government
Beneath That, However Are The Choices That Governments Make
We Choose To Support The Nhs And Public Services
Response accuracy
Q7
Direct Answer
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Context
The Help to Build programme was launched recently, fulfilling a previous commitment made by the Chancellor. The programme aims to make it easier for people to commission their own houses.
Following the launch of Help to Build, does the Chancellor agree that making it easier for more people to build their own homes will lead to more, better, greener and cheaper houses that cost less to run, thereby contributing significantly to battling inflation?
My hon. Friend is an expert on this matter; I am pleased that the Government have listened to him. The home building programme includes a £1.8 billion fund, which will support more homes, quicker homes, and cheaper homes for all citizens.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy