Economic Inequality 2021-11-02
2021-11-02
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Analysis shows tax, welfare, and spending decisions have benefited the poorest households but also indicates that women will be affected negatively by an additional £48 billion over six years.
I am concerned about analysis showing the Chancellor's Budget and tax and spending plans for the next six years cost women an additional £48 billion. That is in contrast to planned tax cuts for banks. Is it because the Government have failed to produce an equality impact assessment for this Budget as required?
The hon. Lady must have missed measures in the Chancellor's Budget last week which invested significantly in supporting families through the household recovery fund and aiding women returning to work, alongside other interventions.
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Assessment & feedback
Failure to produce an equality impact assessment as required
The Hon. Lady Must Have Missed Measures
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
There is a significant lack of access to cash services in the north part of Saqib Bhatti's constituency, an issue exacerbated by declining retail banking networks.
Concerned about the decline in cash access points due to reduced bank branches, I am pleased with the opening of Kingshurst post office but worry that it does not solve the broader problem. Are shared banking hubs a viable solution and what work is being done to increase cash accessibility?
Banking hubs will be part of the solution, alongside other interventions. The Government have committed to legislating on this issue and hope industry will come forward with proposals for dealing with declining cash use.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a housing crisis in certain rural areas where local homes have turned into second homes or holiday lets, leading to the depopulation of these areas.
The economic disparity and loss of local populations in rural areas due to the conversion of local houses into second homes or holiday lets is a serious concern. Will the Minister look at doubling council tax on second-home properties as proposed by the Welsh Assembly Government?
The Government are looking at tightening rules around second homes and council tax. We would be very happy to engage with the hon. Gentleman on this matter.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to doubling council tax
We Would Be Very Happy To Engage
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
The government's distributional analysis shows that tax, welfare, and spending decisions since the last spending round have benefited poorer households but also indicate a negative impact on women.
What recent steps have been taken to reduce economic inequality?
Distributional analysis published at the Budget and spending review shows that tax, welfare and spending decisions since two years ago will benefit poorest households most as a percentage of income. The government is investing £6 billion in labour market support over three years.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy