Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Financial Support

Wednesday 19 May 2021 · 5 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government have provided 7.4 billion of additional support through the welfare system for people affected by covid-19.
  • The UK Government provided the Welsh Government with an extra 8.6 billion-worth of support to use as they wished.
  • The UK Government have put down 2.7 billion for Welsh businesses affected by the pandemic.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alex Davies-Jones Lab Pontypridd
Wales Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP is concerned about financial support provided to Welsh residents impacted by the pandemic.

Question

What recent discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on financial support for people in Wales affected by the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from David Davies

In the last year, the Government have provided £7.4 billion of additional support through the welfare system for people affected by covid-19, including the £20 a week increase in universal credit. I have regular discussions with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer about financial support for Wales.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details of recent discussions or commitments made on behalf of Welsh people affected by the pandemic, other than acknowledging ongoing discussions and general support.

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Q2 Alex Davies-Jones Lab Pontypridd
Wales Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP is concerned about individuals who have not received financial support from the UK Government despite being affected by the pandemic.

Question

What representations has the Secretary of State made to the Chancellor on behalf of Welsh people who have been excluded from support by his Government?

Answer from David Davies

In addition to the £7.4 billion of additional support through the welfare system, the UK Government provided the Welsh Government with an extra £8.6 billion-worth of support, and the Welsh Government were free to use that in any way they wished.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details about representations made on behalf of excluded individuals, only general support provided through the Welsh Government.

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Q3 Nia Griffith Lab Llanelli
Taxation Employment
Context

The MP is concerned about people on low incomes being forced to choose between work and staying at home due to the lack of increased statutory sick pay.

Question

What pressure can the Minister bring to bear on the Chancellor to put right the failure to increase statutory sick pay?

Answer from David Davies

I am sure that the hon. Lady would acknowledge that Mr Drakeford has been able to work very closely with the UK Government because he has been present at all the Cobra meetings and Welsh Government Ministers have been present at all the ministerial implementation group meetings.

Not addressed: Changed subject entirely without addressing the specific ask regarding statutory sick pay, instead discussing cooperation between UK and Welsh Governments.

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Q4 Nia Griffith Lab Llanelli
Wales Business & Trade
Context

The MP is concerned about the potential loss of jobs in the Welsh aviation sector due to lack of specific financial support.

Question

What sector-specific financial support will the Government provide to the aviation industry in Wales to get it through yet another difficult summer and ensure that it has a strong future?

Answer from David Davies

We have not taken up sector-specific support, because the UK Government believe that we should be able to go out there and help all businesses that have been affected by the pandemic. That is why we have already put down £2.7 billion for Welsh businesses.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details about sector-specific support for aviation, only general business support provided.

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Q5 Ben Lake PC Ceredigion Preseli
Economy Wales Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP is concerned about the disparity in UK Government's covid emergency support between London and Wales.

Question

What explanation has the Minister been given by his Cabinet colleagues for that discrepancy?

Answer from David Davies

The fact of the matter is that the money has gone to those in need in all parts of the United Kingdom. I have already mentioned the £8.75 billion extra that went to the Welsh Government, the £2.7 billion for Welsh businesses and the 466,000 Welsh workers who were supported through the furlough scheme.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details about explanations or actions taken regarding the disparity in support between London and Wales.

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