Cost of Living 2022-05-18
2022-05-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The cost of living is rising and the Scottish Government is taking measures to decarbonize heating and increase electric vehicle infrastructure.
While energy costs are skyrocketing under this Government, the Scottish Government are helping to decarbonise the heating of 1 million homes and saving families money while driving the net zero transition. At the same time, households are being hit by record fuel prices. Where they have powers, the Scottish Government are doing what they can by funding record investment in electric vehicle infrastructure and active travel, massively outstripping the UK Government. Why will this Government not match Scotland's ambitions to drive the move to net zero and reduce living costs for families?
Let me point out to the hon. Gentleman that the measures to which he refers are in part possible because of the record funding that this Government are giving the Scottish Government. Let me also point to the measures that the Chancellor has announced to help with insulation, including the reduction in VAT on house-warming measures.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific request for matching Scotland's ambitions was not addressed directly
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Cabinet has been asked for ideas on how to deal with the cost of living crisis but so far, only suggestions like taking more hours or buying supermarket-branded food have been offered.
So far, we have had “Take on more hours”, “Get a better job”, “MOT your car every two years”, “Buy supermarket branded food”, and even “Learn to cook”. Can the Minister tell us what the Scotland Office team's contribution has been to these ideas, and which of those ludicrous ideas he favours the most?
The Chancellor has already announced £22 billion-worth of support. That includes 5p off a litre of fuel, £150 council tax rebates, and the hardship fund for local authorities. We have made it clear that the windfall tax to which the hon. Gentleman refers is not a simple solution; we must think carefully about its implications.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask was avoided in favor of repeating existing support measures without addressing opinions or contributions
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Chancellor has said he “stands ready to act” but refuses to deliver an emergency budget, while inflation is at a 40-year high and many families are struggling.
Inflation is at a 40-year high, with the weekly shop, energy bill, petrol for the car, and taxes all rising. The Chancellor keeps saying that he “stands ready to act”, but refuses to deliver an emergency Budget. His actions so far have raised taxes to their highest level in 70 years and dropped living standards by the largest amount since the 1950s. Can the Minister tell us what he is doing to get the Chancellor to act, if he is not acting now?
The inflationary pressures are global and result from the pandemic, war in Ukraine, and other supply chain problems. The Chancellor has delivered £22 billion-worth of support; he is keeping a close eye on the situation and will intervene where necessary.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific ask was not addressed directly
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Ministers have suggested impractical advice for dealing with the cost of living, like buying value products or getting a better job.
The Secretary of State advised people in poverty to buy value products, the safeguarding Minister suggested working “more hours” or getting a “better-paid job”, and the Chancellor said it would be “silly” to help those struggling. Does the Minister have any equally useless advice?
The Chancellor has given £22 billion-worth of support and is keeping a close eye on the situation. If concerned about cost of living, it should be noted that the Scottish tax rate is higher than in the rest of the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific ask was not addressed directly
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Scottish Government has spent over £1 billion mitigating Tory cuts, increasing benefits, and doubling the child payment.
Apart from that being inaccurate, the Scottish Government have already spent over £1 billion mitigating Tory cuts. They are investing £770 million per year in cost of living crisis measures. Does the Minister not agree it is time his Department lifted a finger?
My Department provides record support (£41 billion) to the Scottish Government. They might be able to do more if they had not wasted money on ferries that do not work or on the First Minister's US tour.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific ask was changed to criticism of Scotland's actions and wastage
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The question seeks details of discussions about tackling rising costs in Scotland.
What recent discussions have been had with the Scottish Government on tackling rises in the cost of living?
We have regular discussions. The Chancellor has announced £22 billion-worth of support measures, including tax cuts for 2.4 million Scottish workers worth over £330 per year. We are committed to supporting Scotland with a record block grant of about £41 billion.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific ask was not addressed directly regarding discussions
Response accuracy