Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cost of Living

Wednesday 29 March 2023 · 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 2 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministers have regular discussions on cost of living support for Scottish households.
  • Additional measures include maintaining the energy price guarantee until June and changes to universal credit.
  • The Scottish deposit return scheme risks driving up prices according to Tesco's chief executive.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tan Dhesi Lab Slough
Economy Scotland Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question follows discussions about the cost of living crisis affecting households and families across Scotland, with over a quarter struggling to pay energy bills and facing potential increases.

Question

What recent discussions has he had on the cost of living support for Scottish households? What measures are being taken beyond the current guarantees?

Answer from John Lamont

Ministers have regular discussions on cost of living support. Additional measures include maintaining the energy price guarantee until June this year and changes to universal credit to help people return to work. Total support for an average household is £3,300 over the current year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about UK and Scottish Governments working together was not directly addressed.

How: This Government Continue To Do Everything We Possibly Can To Support The Most Vulnerable In Society.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Tan Dhesi Lab Slough
Economy
Context

The question highlights that over a quarter of Scottish households are struggling with energy bills and living in fuel poverty, likely to worsen due to inflation and potential price hikes.

Question

Does the Minister accept that more support is needed for those struggling? He asks for UK and Scottish Governments to focus on addressing the cost of living crisis rather than other issues.

Answer from John Lamont

The Government continues to provide support for vulnerable groups. Total cost of living support amounts to £3,300 per average household over the year. The focus is on providing help while avoiding inflationary pressures.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the specific ask about UK and Scottish Government cooperation.

How: The Situation Requires Continued Cost Of Living Support.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Alun Cairns Con
Scotland Business & Trade
Context

Concerns about the deposit return scheme's impact on costs for brewers, pubs and distilleries and its potential to drive up consumer prices.

Question

Is he aware that the Scottish Government's planned deposit return scheme will increase costs for breweries, pubs and distilleries? Does he support calls for a rethink of implementation?

Answer from John Lamont

The Scottish deposit return scheme does not work. Tesco's chief executive said it risks driving up prices and suggested a UK-wide scheme would be better.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Economy Taxation
Context

High inflation rates, food price increases above 15%, and consecutive interest rate hikes exacerbate the cost of living crisis in Scotland.

Question

Does he agree that a proper windfall tax should have been implemented to help struggling families, as proposed by Liz Twist?

Answer from John Lamont

No, the Government does not support an additional windfall tax but has taken measures to help households and businesses in Scotland.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email