Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Support for People on Low Incomes: Covid-19

Tuesday 1 December 2020 · 3 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Scott Benton asked about steps to support people on low incomes during the covid-19 outbreak.
  • David Johnston emphasized the role of employers in providing good work and progression strategies for low-income individuals.
  • Scott Benton noted that the introduction of a national living wage and tax changes have made the lowest paid up to 6,000 better off under the current Government.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Scott Benton
Economy Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of the pandemic on individuals with low income.

Question

What steps are being taken to support people on low incomes during the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Jesse Norman

The Government's approach throughout the pandemic has been to try to support all families, but especially those on low incomes. We have announced a £30 billion plan for jobs to help people back into work, alongside wider measures including the furlough schemes, plus catch-up funding for schools and a substantial increase to the welfare safety net for this year, but it is important to say too that the Government are also supporting the lowest paid by increasing the national living wage to £8.91 and providing a minimum £250 pay increase for public sector workers earning less than £24,000 a year.

Answered
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Q2 David Johnston
Employment
Context

The MP acknowledges the national living wage and minimum wage rates increase but highlights the importance of employers providing good work with proper hours, skills, and progression.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that what happens to people on low incomes is not just about what Government do? It is also about what employers do, and we need them to provide good work with the right number of hours and the right skills and progression strategies?

Answer from Jesse Norman

I certainly agree with my hon. Friend that it is important to focus on skills, and of course that is what the plan for jobs does. Our goal is to try to make sure that everyone, at whatever stage of life, has the opportunity and encouragement to improve their position in employment, and of course we also want employers to support them in doing that.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or commitments from employers were not addressed

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Q3 Scott Benton
Economy Taxation Employment
Context

The MP recognizes the benefits provided during the pandemic and acknowledges changes to the tax system that have improved incomes of the lowest paid. He is concerned about maintaining support for these individuals.

Question

In addition to the extra support provided during this pandemic, as my right hon. Friend has already said, the introduction of a national living wage and changes to the tax system have ensured that the lowest paid are up to £6,000 per year better off under this Government. Does he agree that protecting those people who are in work but on low incomes must remain an absolute priority for this Government when difficult decisions have to be made at the Budget?

Answer from Jesse Norman

We certainly, of course, share the view that it is important—very important—to protect the low-paid. The purpose of supporting them through the national living wage was precisely in order to raise their incomes, and that increase is worth some £345 a year for a full-time worker.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitments or actions related to budget priorities were not provided

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