Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Poverty Levels

Monday 25 January 2021 · 6 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Tackling poverty and lifting people out of absolute poverty is a priority for the Government.
  • The Government is considering how to continue supporting those impacted by economic challenges, including reviewing the 20 universal credit uplift.
  • The Government encourages transferring to universal credit as it helps people move into work and provides better off benefits.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Patricia Gibson SNP
Economy Benefits & Welfare Children & Families
Context

The question arises from the need for an update on poverty trends.

Question

What recent assessment has she made of trends in levels of poverty?

Answer from Therese Coffey

Tackling poverty and levelling up opportunity will always be a priority for this Government, while using universal credit to encourage people into work. Since 2010, 400,000 people have been lifted out of absolute poverty including 100,000 children.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a recent assessment but highlighted past achievements.

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Q2 Alan Brown SNP
Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

Concerns over planned cuts to the £20 universal credit uplift, previously supported by the Government.

Question

Given that the Government did not vote against the motion last week, will she confirm what discussions she has had with the Chancellor about retaining the vital £20 uplift?

Answer from Therese Coffey

We are actively considering the best way to continue supporting those impacted by economic impacts, including a review of the £20 universal credit uplift.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm specific discussions with Chancellor but stated they are being considered.

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Q3 Stephen Flynn SNP Aberdeen South
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The number of universal credit claimants in Aberdeen South has risen significantly, raising concerns about the impact of cutting the £20 uplift.

Question

Can she confirm that she has made personal representations to the Chancellor on maintaining the full £20 uplift? If he chooses to ignore her, will she resign?

Answer from Therese Coffey

Government Ministers discuss policy while considering it. She is considering evidence-based decisions regarding support measures.

Not addressed: Did not confirm personal representations or resignation.

How: Changed The Subject To General Discussions About Evidence

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Q4 Patricia Gibson SNP
Economy Employment Children & Families
Context

Without retaining the £20 universal credit uplift, further individuals including children will fall into poverty.

Question

If the support is not extended beyond March, what alternative and additional measures intend to tackle child poverty?

Answer from Therese Coffey

Discussions with other Ministers including the Chancellor. The plan for jobs aims to help people get out of poverty.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify alternative measures but stated discussions are happening.

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Q5 Neil Gray SNP
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The Government dismissed a Select Committee report on the issue, questioning their evidence-based approach.

Question

Has she suggested any action to end discrimination against those on legacy benefits who have seen support rise by just 1.7% during the pandemic?

Answer from Therese Coffey

People can transfer to universal credit, final barriers lifted this Wednesday. Encourages transferring due to better off benefits.

Not addressed: Did not address discrimination directly but spoke about transferring options.

How: Redirected To Transferring Options

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Q6 Neil Gray SNP
Benefits & Welfare
Context

Concerns over the system not only discriminating against disabled people but also having out-of-work support at its lowest level relative to wages.

Question

If the uplift is not made permanent, how could she remain in post given the situation?

Answer from Therese Coffey

The Government continues to support welfare with £7 billion and more on benefits. Encourages moving to universal credit as it helps people into work.

Not addressed: Did not address staying in post directly but spoke about government support.

How: Redirected To Overall Government Support

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