Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Child Poverty

Wednesday 28 June 2023 · 3 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

  • Christine Jardine raised concerns about rising child poverty rates in Scotland, particularly affecting working families.
  • Wendy Chamberlain highlighted the high percentage of single parents among those relying on food banks, despite being a small proportion of the adult population.
  • The UK Government announced measures to protect vulnerable households with a 94 billion package and aims to halve inflation to reduce costs and interest rates.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Scotland Children & Families
Context

Discussions on child poverty levels and government support measures for Scottish households.

Question

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on trends in the level of child poverty in Scotland. In my constituency, despite not being among the poorest areas, one in 10 children live in poverty, rising to one in three in some regions, predominantly in working families.

Answer from John Lamont

This Government are committed to tackling child poverty and protecting the most vulnerable. The recent Budget announced additional support for households, including making childcare more affordable.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not address specific discussions on trends in child poverty levels or provide detailed measures beyond general statements of commitment.

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Q2 Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife
Scotland Benefits & Welfare Children & Families
Context

A report by the Trussell Trust shows that single parents, despite making up only 2% of the population, account for 17% of those going hungry. The questioner suggests restoring adult benefits to single parents under 25 on universal credit.

Question

Almost 90,000 food parcels were given to children in Scotland last year, and the Trussell Trust's report shows that single parents make up only 2% of the population but 17% of those who have gone hungry. The adult rate of benefits should be restored for under-25 single parent universal credit recipients.

Answer from John Lamont

I recognise the work that the hon. Member undertakes regarding food banks, and the Government are protecting vulnerable groups with a £94 billion package for households. Since 2010, nearly 2 million people have been helped out of absolute poverty.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not address whether restoring adult rates to single parent benefits is agreed upon or provide specifics on this proposal.

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Q3 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Economy Housing Children & Families
Context

Families are facing challenges due to rising food prices, high mortgage rates and rent hikes. The Scottish Government's focus on independence is not seen as helpful.

Question

With soaring food prices, sky-high mortgage rates and the highest increase in annual rents in the UK for Edinburgh, families are struggling. What specific actions will the UK Government take to support these families?

Answer from John Lamont

The Government recognise concerns about rising mortgages and aim to halve inflation this year, which is key for lowering costs and interest rates. The Chancellor met mortgage lenders last week and agreed a charter covering 75% of the market.

Partly answered

Not addressed: While acknowledging mortgage anxiety, the answer did not provide specific actions to support families in Edinburgh with rising food prices or rent hikes.

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