Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cost of Living: Armed Forces Personnel

Monday 12 December 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

  • Carol Monaghan inquired about the impact of cost of living increases on armed forces personnel, highlighting that nearly 3,000 personnel are already claiming universal credit.
  • The Minister stated that discussions are ongoing with the Department for Work and Pensions and the Treasury to ensure entitlements and further support for armed forces personnel.
  • Luke Pollard questioned why the Ministry of Defence is not collecting data on personnel using food vouchers, food banks, or taking second jobs due to cost pressures.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Carol Monaghan SNP
Defence Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question arises from concerns about the rising cost of living affecting military personnel, including high numbers claiming universal credit and soaring food and heating costs.

Question

What recent assessment has been made by the Department regarding the impact of the cost of living increase on armed forces personnel? Nearly 3,000 personnel are already claiming universal credit, and food and heating costs are rising. What discussions is he having with DWP to ensure entitlements for personnel, and what conversations is he having with Treasury?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

Universal credit eligibility depends on income, family size, accommodation type. Further investment in family accommodation includes insulation to reduce energy costs. Discussions are ongoing across Whitehall.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify discussions with DWP and Treasury

How: Universal Credit Eligibility Details

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Q2 Carol Monaghan SNP
Defence Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

Concerns about rising costs and impact on military families, including those claiming universal credit and facing food and heating expenses.

Question

I thank the Minister for his response, but nearly 3,000 personnel are already claiming universal credit, and food and heating costs are soaring. What discussions is he having with DWP to ensure entitlements? With Treasury to further support where required?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

Universal credit depends on income, family size, accommodation. Family accommodation investment includes insulation. Discussions ongoing across Whitehall.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify DWP and Treasury discussions

How: Universal Credit Eligibility Details

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Q3 Richard Drax Con
Defence Employment
Context

Concern about military personnel being called to help during strikes, potentially affecting their time off and morale.

Question

The cost of living crisis affects the armed forces. With calls on them during strikes, will the Government reward those who give their time? Are there any signs of rewards or thanks for those working over Christmas and New Year?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

My hon. Friend takes a close interest in armed forces; conversations on this subject are happening across Whitehall.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify rewards or compensation for personnel helping during strikes and working holidays

How: General Support For The Questioner

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Q4 Luke Pollard Labour (Co-op) Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Defence Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

Concern about service personnel turning to food banks, second jobs, and financial hardship during the cost of living crisis.

Question

The Army's senior soldier says some troops are using food banks and taking second jobs due to cost pressures. Six months ago, I raised alarm on troops working at McDonald's. Despite saying support is provided, why isn't MoD collecting data on personnel using food vouchers, food banks, or second jobs?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

Visited a local food bank; accepted pay review body's full recommendation. Generous non-contributory pension, subsidised accommodation offered. Haythornthwaite review will report on more incentives for joining and staying.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address data collection issue directly

How: Discussed Food Bank Reasons Generally

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