Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Inflation and Cost of Living Increases

Wednesday 11 January 2023 · 5 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

  • The UK faces high inflation, impacting Scotland.
  • The Government are providing 12 billion in direct support for vulnerable households in Scotland.
  • Ofgem is reviewing the energy charging structure in response to questions about Scottish energy costs.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Anum Qaisar
Economy Scotland
Context

The question addresses the impact of high inflation and increased cost of living in Scotland, referencing global economic challenges.

Question

What recent assessment has been made regarding the impact of increases in inflation and the cost of living on Scotland?

Answer from John Lamont

The UK faces high inflation. The Government are committed to supporting vulnerable households with £12 billion of direct support and the energy price guarantee saving a typical Scottish household £900 this winter.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessment details requested but not provided

How: Committed, Support

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Q2 Chris Stephens SNP
Economy Energy
Context

Inquires about the government's stance on following examples set by France and Germany in managing energy costs, highlighting their public ownership approach.

Question

What representations have been made to Government colleagues regarding following European examples of public ownership for managing energy prices?

Answer from John Lamont

The Government are committed to supporting vulnerable households through inflationary crisis with extra support including record-breaking block grant and £1.5 billion additional funding from the Barnett consequentials, alongside energy support packages.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific policy representations requested but not provided

How: Committed, Support

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Q3 Anum Qaisar
Energy
Context

References data showing higher standing charges for Scottish households compared to the UK average, questioning why Scotland is paying more despite its high energy production.

Question

Why are people in energy-rich Scotland paying more for energy despite producing over 60% of UK gas and a third of green electricity?

Answer from John Lamont

Ofgem is currently reviewing the charging structure, and the UK Government continue to engage with Ofgem as part of that process. Recommendations will be brought forward once completed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific explanation requested but not provided

How: Reviewing, Engaging

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Q4 Ian Murray Lab Edinburgh South
Economy Scotland
Context

Discusses analysis showing average wages in Scotland are lower than when the Government came to power, attributing this to Tory and SNP incompetence.

Question

Does the Minister agree that 13 years of Tory wage stagnation has resulted in a cost of living crisis for families in Scotland?

Answer from John Lamont

No, I do not agree. The Government are committed to ensuring wages go further and people keep more of what they earn, with a 9.7% increase in national living wage from April 2023.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Agreement on the crisis cause requested but not confirmed or denied directly

How: Agree, Committed

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Q5 Ian Murray Lab Edinburgh South
Employment Scotland
Context

Highlights strikes by teachers, nurses, and ambulance workers due to wage stagnation, questioning the government's approach of stripping workers of their rights.

Question

Does the Minister think it is right to clap public sector workers one year only to propose sacking them for asking for a fair pay rise?

Answer from John Lamont

Public sector workers are striking due to SNP incompetence. This Government are ensuring public services are protected through anti-strike legislation, protecting essential service users from strikes.

Not addressed: Specific fairness of actions requested but not addressed directly

How: Striking, Incompetence

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