Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

People on Low Incomes: Covid-19

Tuesday 20 October 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government provided significant support to people on low incomes during the covid-19 outbreak, including an additional 9 billion through welfare increases and local authority hardship funding.
  • Specific measures include increasing universal credit and working tax credit by 20 per week and providing a one-off 500 payment.
  • The government highlighted the challenges faced by businesses and constituents, with 14,500 benefiting from the furlough scheme and 28.4 million in business grants provided.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Imran Ahmad Khan
Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP is inquiring about fiscal measures to aid people on low incomes amid the pandemic.

Question

What fiscal steps he is taking to support people on low incomes during the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from John Glen

The Government have provided significant support to those on low incomes, including an additional £9 billion through welfare increases and local authority hardship funding. Specific measures include increasing universal credit and working tax credit by £20 per week, as well as providing £500 payments for households who must self-isolate.

Answered
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Q2 Imran Ahmad Khan
Economy Taxation Business & Trade
Context

The MP visited several businesses in Horbury and noted that the imposition of tier 2 measures has had a negative impact on consumer confidence, affecting these businesses.

Question

Will my hon. Friend confirm that he will use all his creativity to focus HMT strategy on stimulating confidence in the consumer economy to support these businesses, and to consider tax reform?

Answer from John Glen

My hon. Friend is right to highlight the challenges faced by his constituents, with 14,500 benefiting from the furlough scheme and £28.4 million in business grants provided. The Minister assured that Treasury Ministers will use rigorous analysis as they work with the Chancellor towards the next Budget.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Consideration of tax reform to stimulate consumer confidence

How: Looking To Future, Rigorous Analysis And Thinking

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