Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cost of Living

Wednesday 22 June 2022 · 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 2 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government acting decisively to support vulnerable households in Northern Ireland.
  • Restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland would facilitate delivery of support measures.
  • Government interventions include funding for businesses and improving conditions in Northern Ireland.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Economy Northern Ireland
Context

The cost of living is a significant issue across the UK, with concerns about how to support vulnerable households.

Question

What steps are being taken by the Government to help reduce the cost of living in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Conor Burns

The Government are acting decisively to ensure support for vulnerable households, and restoration of devolved government would be crucial for addressing issues locally.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures or initiatives not detailed beyond the need for restored devolution

How: Restoration Of Devolved Government

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Q2 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Northern Ireland Energy
Context

Northern Irish households are vulnerable to energy price hikes due to the lack of an Executive and the absence of a local energy price cap.

Question

How will the £400 energy discount be delivered in Northern Ireland, given that there is no local energy price cap?

Answer from Conor Burns

The Government suggest that restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland would facilitate delivery of the support, but this hinges on resolving issues with the Northern Ireland protocol.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details on implementation not provided beyond reliance on restored devolution

How: Restoration Of Devolved Government

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Q3 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Economy Northern Ireland Business & Trade
Context

A recent Ulster Bank report indicates low business optimism in Northern Ireland due to the cost of living crisis.

Question

What additional support can be provided to businesses struggling with high costs and uncertainty?

Answer from Conor Burns

The Government are making a range of interventions including New Decade, New Approach funding, city and growth deals, the levelling-up agenda, and community shared ownership funding to support businesses and improve conditions in Northern Ireland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific forms of assistance not detailed beyond mentioning existing initiatives

How: Existing Interventions

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Q4 Peter Bone Con
Northern Ireland
Context

The Northern Ireland protocol is seen as a barrier to resolving issues affecting Northern Ireland.

Question

How will the Government approach getting the EU to reconsider and resolve the Northern Ireland protocol?

Answer from Conor Burns

The Government are straightforward in their stance that goods moving within the UK internal market pose no risk to the EU single market and they continue to negotiate, with Vice-President Šefčovič needing a broader mandate to reach an agreement.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Concrete steps not detailed beyond negotiation approach

How: Negotiation With Eu

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Q5 Andrew Bowie Con West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Housing Northern Ireland
Context

The Barnett formula ensures that the household support fund benefits all UK regions, including £14 million for Northern Ireland.

Question

Does the Government agree that the household support fund will help vulnerable households in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Conor Burns

The Government agrees with the view that the household support fund, including its £14 million allocation to Northern Ireland, will help vulnerable households.

Answered
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Q6 Tonia Antoniazzi Lab Gower
Northern Ireland Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Ulster Rugby has plans to apply for levelling-up funding to enhance sporting facilities, which could attract major events and boost the local economy.

Question

Will the Government commit to considering funding applications that would improve sports facilities in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Conor Burns

The Government are committed to levelling up and will absolutely consider funding applications aimed at improving sporting and cultural infrastructure, thereby enhancing tourism and economic benefits.

Answered
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