Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Reducing Economic Inequality

Tuesday 15 March 2022 · 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government investing more than 6 billion in labour market support over the next three years
  • Analysis shows decisions since the 2019 spending review have benefited poorest households most as a percentage of income
  • North sea oil industry already contributes additional taxes through a 40% rate

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bill Esterson Lab Sefton Central
Economy
Context

The MP inquired about recent steps taken to reduce economic disparity.

Question

What recent steps has the government taken to help reduce economic inequality?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

We are investing more than £6 billion in labour market support over the next three years. Analysis published at the last autumn Budget shows that decisions since the 2019 spending review will have benefited the poorest households most as a percentage of income.

Answered
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Q2 Bill Esterson Lab Sefton Central
Economy Energy
Context

The MP expressed concerns about real wages falling, high inflation rates, and rising energy costs. He asked when the government would admit that using the record profits from North Sea oil could help ordinary people facing a cost of living crisis.

Question

When will the Financial Secretary and her colleagues admit it makes sense to use the record profits of North sea oil and gas to help ordinary people, who face a cost of living crisis?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

The hon. Gentleman knows that wages are up in real terms compared with pre-pandemic levels, and unemployment is lower than in other countries. The North sea oil industry already contributes additional taxes through a 40% rate.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Admission of using North Sea profits for economic relief

How: Provides Wage Statistics Instead

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Q3 Virginia Crosbie
Employment Energy
Context

The MP expressed concern about her constituency's low gross value added rate. She highlighted various energy sources available on the island and welcomed the Chancellor's mention of nuclear power and commitment to the £120 million future nuclear enabling fund.

Question

Will he also commit to publishing the criteria and bidding process for the vital sector, so we can move at pace in this area?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

It is great to see the good work going on in my hon. Friend's constituency. However, her question is for our right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, who I am sure is considering it carefully.

Not addressed: Publishing criteria and bidding process

How: Redirects To Another Minister

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