Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Inflation

Tuesday 11 October 2022 · 4 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

  • Ministerial discussions with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions are regular and cover the effects of inflation on departmental budgets and benefits.
  • The statutory process for benefit adjustments is ongoing, and the government considers cost-of-living pressures.
  • The government aims to balance economic growth and tax fairness when deciding on tax cuts to avoid negatively affecting the poorest people.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Linden SNP
Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP inquired about potential inflation impacts on the Department for Work and Pensions' budget.

Question

What recent discussions have you had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions regarding the possible effects of inflation on their department's budget?

Answer from Chris Philp

I have regular discussions with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. If the question relates to the operating budget, Departments are expected to live within their existing CSR21 allocations. For benefits generally, a statutory process is ongoing without decisions yet made.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about increasing social security payments in line with inflation was not directly addressed.

How: If The Question Relates To Operating Budget, Normal Statutory Process

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Q2 David Linden SNP
Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP inquired about potential inflation impacts and whether there are any plans or representations to increase social security payments accordingly.

Question

Has the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions made any representations to increase social security payments in line with inflation? The government's failure to do so will result in increased food banks, fuel poverty, and child poverty. When will you commit to raising social security in line with inflation?

Answer from Chris Philp

I am not offering any running commentary on internal discussions. The statutory process is ongoing, but we are mindful of cost-of-living pressures. I mention the large increase in the national minimum wage and vacancies exceeding unemployment benefits.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about committing to raising social security payments was not directly addressed.

How: Running Commentary, Statutory Process Ongoing

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Q3 Julian Smith Con Skipton and Ripon
Economy Taxation
Context

The MP inquired about the Government's plans for tax cuts and their potential effects on the poorest citizens.

Question

Will the Government ensure that forthcoming tax cuts do not negatively affect the poorest people in the country?

Answer from Chris Philp

The first objective is to grow the economy, which helps lift wages and create jobs. The Government balances fairness and cost-of-living pressures with taxpayer interests when making decisions on tax cuts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about ensuring tax cuts do not negatively affect the poorest was not directly addressed.

How: Growing Economy, Cost Of Living Pressures

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Q4 Meg Hillier Labour (Co-op) Hackney South and Shoreditch
Economy Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP inquired about the Government's advice to those earning below £12,000 a year who rely on universal credit due to high childcare costs.

Question

What is your advice for constituents earning under £12,000 who cannot afford work because of high childcare costs and are on the poverty line? Will you provide comfort that the Government will make the right decision on uprating benefits?

Answer from Chris Philp

The statutory process is ongoing. People on lower incomes benefit from a significant minimum wage increase and an unprecedented intervention of £37 billion, disproportionately aiding those on lower incomes with an extra £1,200 this year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about providing comfort regarding the decision to uprate benefits was not directly addressed.

How: Statutory Process Ongoing

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