Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Poverty and Inequality

Wednesday 13 September 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

  • Martyn Day asked about discussions on reducing poverty and inequality in Scotland, to which the response highlighted UK Government investment of around 276 billion in welfare.
  • Martyn Day questioned why the UK Government do not follow the example of the Scottish child payment, which has helped over 300,000 children and lifted 50,000 out of poverty.
  • Gerald Jones pointed out that one in four children in Scotland lives in poverty, with 40,000 more children in poverty compared to a decade ago, and mentioned resignations from the Scottish Government's Poverty and Inequality Commission.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Martyn Day SNP
Economy Scotland Children & Families
Context

The MP asked about discussions on reducing poverty and inequality, referencing the Scottish Government's efforts and the UK government's stance.

Question

What discussions has he held with Cabinet colleagues and the Scottish Government on the effectiveness of steps being taken to reduce rates of (a) poverty and (b) inequality in Scotland?

Answer from John Lamont

The United Kingdom Government are committed to a sustainable approach to tackling poverty and supporting people on lower incomes. We have made substantial investment, including welfare spending of around £276 billion, to help mitigate the worst of cost of living impacts. The best route out of poverty is through work, therefore our focus remains firmly on supporting people to move into and progress in work.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide details on specific discussions or effectiveness measures.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q2 Martyn Day SNP
Economy Benefits & Welfare Children & Families
Context

The MP referenced the success of Scotland's child payment programme, asking why the UK government does not follow this example.

Question

Scotland has the lowest rates of child poverty in the UK with the game-changing Scottish child payment helping more than 300,000 children and lifting 50,000 out of poverty. Why do the UK Government continue to refuse to follow such a successful example?

Answer from John Lamont

The UK Government have ensured that cost of living challenges have been tackled by working in tandem with the Scottish Government and using reserved and devolved levers to get the best outcomes for everybody across Scotland. The benefit cap levels were increased by 10.1% from April, and the national living wage was raised by 9.7% to £10.42 an hour.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address why UK government does not follow Scotland's approach.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q3 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Economy Scotland Children & Families
Context

The MP highlighted the increase in child poverty in Scotland over the past decade, questioning the effectiveness of both UK and Scottish governments.

Question

After 16 years of SNP Government and 13 years of the Tories, one in four children in Scotland lives in poverty. There are 40,000 more children in poverty compared to a decade ago. This week it was revealed that three members of the Scottish Government's own Poverty and Inequality Commission resigned. Does the Minister agree that both governments should work more urgently and effectively to tackle child poverty?

Answer from John Lamont

I welcome the hon. Gentleman to his new position. The UK Government are committed to protecting the most vulnerable in society and have taken decisive steps, including additional spending of £137.5 billion on pensioners, £67.9 billion on disabled people, £114.3 billion on working-age benefits and child welfare, uprated benefits and pensions in line with inflation, and raised the national living wage.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address whether he agrees more urgent action is needed.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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