Cost of Living Social Security Payments 2022-10-31
2022-10-31
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from ongoing concerns about the adequacy of social security payments in light of rising costs.
What recent assessment has been made on the adequacy of benefits in meeting increases in the cost of living?
We have taken decisive action by cutting the universal credit taper rate to 55% and increasing work allowances, giving low-income households an extra £1,000 a year. Two cost of living payments totaling £650 are being made to over 8 million households on UC, tax credits, pension credits, and legacy benefits. Additional help includes pensioner support and disability benefits, amounting to more than £37 billion this year.
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Assessment & feedback
The assessment of adequacy was not directly addressed.
Cutting The Universal Credit Taper Rate
Increasing Work Allowances
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has warned about a potential real-terms cut in social security benefits that could push 200,000 children into poverty.
Given the warning from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the UN rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, what will be done to prevent lives being lost due to insufficient social security uprating?
I thank the hon. Gentleman and suggest he visit his local Jobcentre Plus, where interventions like the cost of living calculator on gov.uk can help people. The Scottish Government has powers to provide their own welfare benefits using existing reserved benefits.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific question about preventing lives being lost was not addressed.
Suggesting The Hon. Gentleman Visit Jobcentre Plus
Mentioning Scottish Government Powers
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Specific constituents narrowly miss out on pension credits and other benefits due to slight discrepancies.
With particular reference to William Thompson and Anne McCurley who narrowly miss out on pension credits, will the Minister review the cut-off so more people can access support?
I thank the hon. Lady and mention two websites that could help constituents get additional benefits. There is always a cut-off point, but local support initiatives exist to assist people with getting into work and progressing their careers.
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Assessment & feedback
The review of cut-off points was not directly addressed.
Mentioning Websites For Help
Acknowledging Local Support
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about energy costs over the winter are prompting queries about ongoing government support.
Can my hon. Friend give reassurance that the Government's energy cost relief plan will be reviewed for continued support after six months?
I thank my hon. Friend and note that the Prime Minister's plan includes £1,200 direct payments over winter for families. The Chancellor will further update on this 17th of November.
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Assessment & feedback
The review post-six months was not directly committed to.
Mentioning Prime Minister'S Plan
Referring To Future Update
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Information Commissioner ruled that the DWP unlawfully prevented the release of over 20 reports into the deaths of benefit claimants.
Will the new Secretary of State agree to publish these and all other secret reports, so we can scrutinise whether actions were sufficient or timely?
I thank the hon. Lady for her question and note that my role is about helping people, including those with disabilities. We are providing extra costs support through disability payments, with over 6 million helped by a £150 one-off payment.
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Assessment & feedback
The publication of reports was not addressed.
Focusing On Helping People
Mentioning Disability Payments
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister's speech on difficult decisions in contrast to the struggles faced by constituents.
Does the Minister agree that uprating benefits in line with inflation is not a difficult decision, but instead the only moral course of action?
That is not a matter for me, but I reiterate that we understand pressures and are supporting people with £37 billion in cost-of-living help. Non-repayable discounts up to £400 are provided by the energy bills support scheme, along with benefits calculators and local council outreach.
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Assessment & feedback
The agreement on moral imperative was not addressed.
Stating It Is Not A Matter For Her
Listing Cost-Of-Living Support Measures
Response accuracy