Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rise in the Cost of Living

Wednesday 2 February 2022 · 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Alyn Smith inquired about discussions on the impact of the cost of living rise on people in Scotland.
  • Alyn Smith raised concerns over rural energy prices and disparities between urban and rural areas, calling for an investigation into uncompetitive energy practices.
  • The Minister offered to meet Alyn Smith to discuss measures related to energy prices but noted that energy prices are rising globally.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alyn Smith
Economy Scotland
Context

Discussions are ongoing about how rising costs affect people in Scotland. The questioner is seeking details on cabinet discussions.

Question

What discussions have you had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential effect of the rise in the cost of living on people in Scotland?

Answer from Iain Stewart

This Government have consistently said that the best way to support people's living standards is through good work, better skills and higher wages. Our plan for jobs is working, the economy is growing and unemployment is low. The national living wage, the universal credit taper and allowance changes are putting more money in people's pockets.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific cabinet discussions regarding cost of living impact on Scotland were not addressed.

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Q2 Alyn Smith
Energy
Context

The UK energy market is facing issues, especially concerning price disparities between urban and rural regions. The questioner seeks an investigation into these practices.

Question

The UK energy market is demonstrably broken. I am concerned about rural energy prices and disparities between urban and rural areas. Will the Minister support my call for an investigation into uncompetitive energy practices?

Answer from Iain Stewart

First, let me welcome the city of culture bid by the hon. Gentleman's home city. I am always happy to visit Stirling—in fact, I believe that I am coming up to visit in the next couple of weeks. I am very happy to meet him to discuss the measures to which he refers, but energy prices are rising globally due to easing coronavirus restrictions and other geopolitical factors.

Not addressed: The question about investigating uncompetitive energy practices was not addressed directly; instead, focus shifted to global context and personal visit to Stirling.

How: Changing Subject, Global Context

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