Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cost of Living: Social Security Payments

Monday 31 October 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 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Alison Thewliss inquired about recent assessments on the adequacy of benefits in light of cost of living increases.
  • Martin Docherty questioned the measures to prevent lives being lost due to insufficient social security uprating, citing warnings from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the UN.
  • Alison Thewliss asked for a review of the pension credit cut-off to allow more individuals to access support.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alison Thewliss SNP
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question arises from ongoing concerns about the adequacy of social security payments in light of rising costs.

Question

What recent assessment has been made on the adequacy of benefits in meeting increases in the cost of living?

Answer from Mims Davies

We have taken decisive action by cutting the universal credit taper rate to 55% and increasing work allowances, giving low-income households an extra £1,000 a year. Two cost of living payments totaling £650 are being made to over 8 million households on UC, tax credits, pension credits, and legacy benefits. Additional help includes pensioner support and disability benefits, amounting to more than £37 billion this year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The assessment of adequacy was not directly addressed.

How: Cutting The Universal Credit Taper Rate, Increasing Work Allowances

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Q2 Martin Docherty SNP
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has warned about a potential real-terms cut in social security benefits that could push 200,000 children into poverty.

Question

Given the warning from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the UN rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, what will be done to prevent lives being lost due to insufficient social security uprating?

Answer from Mims Davies

I thank the hon. Gentleman and suggest he visit his local Jobcentre Plus, where interventions like the cost of living calculator on gov.uk can help people. The Scottish Government has powers to provide their own welfare benefits using existing reserved benefits.

Not addressed: The specific question about preventing lives being lost was not addressed.

How: Suggesting The Hon. Gentleman Visit Jobcentre Plus, Mentioning Scottish Government Powers

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Q3 Alison Thewliss SNP
Benefits & Welfare
Context

Specific constituents narrowly miss out on pension credits and other benefits due to slight discrepancies.

Question

With particular reference to William Thompson and Anne McCurley who narrowly miss out on pension credits, will the Minister review the cut-off so more people can access support?

Answer from Mims Davies

I thank the hon. Lady and mention two websites that could help constituents get additional benefits. There is always a cut-off point, but local support initiatives exist to assist people with getting into work and progressing their careers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The review of cut-off points was not directly addressed.

How: Mentioning Websites For Help, Acknowledging Local Support

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Q4 Chris Green Con
Energy
Context

Concerns about energy costs over the winter are prompting queries about ongoing government support.

Question

Can my hon. Friend give reassurance that the Government's energy cost relief plan will be reviewed for continued support after six months?

Answer from Mims Davies

I thank my hon. Friend and note that the Prime Minister's plan includes £1,200 direct payments over winter for families. The Chancellor will further update on this 17th of November.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The review post-six months was not directly committed to.

How: Mentioning Prime Minister'S Plan, Referring To Future Update

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Q5 Vicky Foxcroft Lab Lewisham North
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The Information Commissioner ruled that the DWP unlawfully prevented the release of over 20 reports into the deaths of benefit claimants.

Question

Will the new Secretary of State agree to publish these and all other secret reports, so we can scrutinise whether actions were sufficient or timely?

Answer from Mims Davies

I thank the hon. Lady for her question and note that my role is about helping people, including those with disabilities. We are providing extra costs support through disability payments, with over 6 million helped by a £150 one-off payment.

Not addressed: The publication of reports was not addressed.

How: Focusing On Helping People, Mentioning Disability Payments

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Q6 Kirsty Blackman SNP Aberdeen North
Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

The Prime Minister's speech on difficult decisions in contrast to the struggles faced by constituents.

Question

Does the Minister agree that uprating benefits in line with inflation is not a difficult decision, but instead the only moral course of action?

Answer from Mims Davies

That is not a matter for me, but I reiterate that we understand pressures and are supporting people with £37 billion in cost-of-living help. Non-repayable discounts up to £400 are provided by the energy bills support scheme, along with benefits calculators and local council outreach.

Not addressed: The agreement on moral imperative was not addressed.

How: Stating It Is Not A Matter For Her, Listing Cost-Of-Living Support Measures

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