House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Self-isolation: Financial Barriers

Monday 8 March 2021 · 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 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

The Government have provided support through employment and support allowance, universal credit, statutory sick pay, and the test and trace support payments scheme.
Local authorities have received 35 million for discretionary payments, with an additional 20 million per month allocated.
Statutory sick pay is supplemented by universal credit or employment and support allowance depending on eligibility.

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet

Benefits & Welfare

Context

Scientists have noted that financial reasons prevent many people from complying with the requirement to self-isolate, affecting public health policy.

Question

What assessment has been made of the implications for policies due to financial barriers preventing compliance with self-isolation requirements; and will a statement be issued?

Answer from Justin Tomlinson

The Government have provided support including employment and support allowance, universal credit, statutory sick pay, and the test and trace support payments scheme. Local authorities have been given £35 million for discretionary payments, with an additional £20 million per month.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessment of financial barriers to self-isolation compliance

How: Providing General Support Options

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Q2 Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet

Benefits & Welfare

Context

Scientists have noted that financial reasons prevent many people from complying with the requirement to self-isolate, affecting public health policy. The means-testing involved in the £500 support payment has been questioned.

Question

What assessment has the Department made of the means-testing involved in the £500 payment? Does the Minister agree that everyone should be eligible for this payment and that statutory sick pay is too low?

Answer from Justin Tomlinson

Local authorities have received £35 million for discretionary payments, with an additional £20 million per month. Statutory sick pay is supplemented by universal credit or employment and support allowance depending on eligibility.