Household Support Fund 2021-11-08
2021-11-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted concerns about winter 2021-22 and the need to support vulnerable households. He mentioned local council initiatives like the Helping Hand scheme.
What steps she is taking to ensure that the household support fund helps the most vulnerable during winter 2021-22. The £500 million household support fund is extremely welcome and my local council is busy ensuring that support reaches those who need it through their excellent Helping Hand scheme.
My hon. Friend is right to praise Buckinghamshire Council, which was allocated £2.4 million from the fund. Local authorities delivering the household support fund have access to health visitors, social workers and housing departments, as well as the Searchlight portal for identifying people who need help at this time.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify additional measures beyond praising local council efforts.
Praising Local Councils
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Resolution Foundation reported that 3.6 million households on universal credit will still be worse off due to the removal of the £20 uplift, amounting to a £3 billion reduction in support for the poorest.
According to the Resolution Foundation, the combined effect of the removal of the £20 universal credit uplift and the Budget measures means that 3.6 million households on universal credit—three quarters of the total—will still be worse off this winter. These measures take £3 billion out of support for the poorest.
The hon. Lady will recognise that some Budget announcements provide direct support for people working or encouraging them into work. The £500 million household support fund, being a targeted fund, is expected to be a great support with local councils identifying those in need.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not quantify how much hardship would be reduced by the household support fund.
Stating It Was Temporary
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP acknowledged the Helping Hand scheme by Buckinghamshire Council and emphasized the contrast between wealth and poverty in areas like High Wycombe.
Like my hon. Friend the Member for Buckingham (Greg Smith), I pay tribute to Buckinghamshire Council for all that it has done with the Helping Hand scheme. Does the Secretary of State agree that in a place such as High Wycombe, where riches and poverty are often found so close together, it is imperative that we equip councils to provide local people with the local help that they need?
I strongly agree. We are working through local authorities, which understand their communities well without there being blanket schemes. This is reflected around the country including in places such as High Wycombe.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy