Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation's report found child poverty in families with more than two children increased from 33% to 47% between 2012-13 and 2019-20.
What assessment has the Minister made of the reasons for the finding in the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's “UK Poverty 2022” report that child poverty in families with more than two children increased from 33% to 47% between 2012-13 and 2019-20?
We have long championed the principle that work is the best route out of poverty, based on clear evidence of the importance of parental employment, particularly where it is full time, in substantially reducing the risk of poverty. In 2020-21, there were more children living in a home where at least one person was working, with nearly 580,000 fewer children living in workless households than in 2010.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address the specific assessment requested about the increase in child poverty from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's report.
Focus On General Principle Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation reports that child poverty in families with more than two children has risen to levels not seen since before 1997, disproportionately affecting these families.
Does the Minister believe it is acceptable for children to suffer more just because of the number of siblings they have? If not, what will he do to ensure all families with children have support at this difficult time?
Our key priority is getting parents into work and helping them progress in their careers. Extra support is available through the household support fund, with £2.7 million allocated for Lambeth.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address whether he believes it's acceptable for children to suffer more due to sibling numbers.
Focus On Employment And General Support
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The End Child Poverty coalition reports that many of the UK parliamentary constituencies seeing highest increase in child poverty are in the north-east of England.
What is the Minister doing to tackle child poverty, specifically in the north-east?
Our priority at a time of record vacancies is encouraging people into work. The levelling-up White Paper highlights opportunities for the north-east, and £1.4 million is available through the household support fund in South Tyneside.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not specify any actions to address child poverty specifically.
Focus On Employment Opportunities
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
In Lewisham, 39% of children are growing up in poverty with over 14,000 families on universal credit. The Government has cut universal credit by £1,000 a year and is further cutting support.
How fair is it that lone parents will be £300 worse off, leading to more children living in poverty?
We support lone parents into work and help them access opportunities. Lewisham has £2.6 million available through the household support fund.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address whether it is fair or unfair for lone parents to be worse off due to cuts.
Focus On Employment Opportunities
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Approximately 500,000 children in England do not have a bed to sleep in tonight.
Why do 500,000 children in England lack a bed?
We aim to tackle child poverty through work. Helping more people get into full-time employment means they can stand on their own two feet and look after their children.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address why 500,000 children lack a bed.
Focus On Work
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The chance that a child will grow up in poverty falls when both their parents are in full-time work.
What initiatives are we implementing to help more parents, particularly those in Staffordshire, into full-time work?
Our plan for jobs includes kickstart for the young, SWAPs, restart, and childcare support. We spend about £6 billion a year on childcare.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not specify specific initiatives for Staffordshire.
Focus On General Initiatives
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
By lowering the taper on universal credit, we are enabling people to get into work and retain their benefits.
Does the Minister agree that this combination encourages people to work and earn their own living?
I strongly agree. The Way to Work provides incentives for those getting closer to job readiness to move into a job and advance their career.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address whether these measures reduce child poverty specifically.
Focus On Agreement
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The real-terms value of child benefit fell by 16% between April 2010 and April 2021.
How many fewer families would now be in poverty if child benefit had been uprated consistently with inflation?
Questions on child benefit are for the Treasury. We work to improve universal credit taper and work allowance, providing greater financial security.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address how many fewer families would be in poverty if child benefit was uprated.
Redirects To Treasury
Response accuracy