Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cost of Living

Wednesday 18 October 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 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government have ensured that pensions, benefits, and the minimum wage have risen in line with inflation.
  • The Bridgend food bank and Baobab Bach food pantry are experiencing shortages, highlighting the difficulty many constituents face in affording basic necessities.
  • Polling by Public Health Wales indicates that eight in ten Welsh citizens are worried or very worried about the rising cost of living, with nearly half concerned about the impact on their mental health.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Patricia Gibson SNP
Economy Wales Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of rising costs, particularly on Welsh citizens.

Question

What assessment has been made of the impact of increases in the cost of living on people in Wales?

Answer from David Davies

I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues, including the cost of living. The Government have made certain that the state pension, benefits and the minimum wage have all risen in line with inflation. Last winter, the Government's energy support schemes saw them paying about half the average fuel bills for homeowners across the United Kingdom.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific assessments on cost of living impact in Wales beyond general benefits increase

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Q2 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
NHS Housing Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP cited specific local food banks running low on supplies, indicating a severe food access issue.

Question

The Bridgend food bank and the Baobab Bach food pantry are running out of food. My constituents in Ogmore and those across the Bridgend borough literally cannot afford to pay for the weekly shop. What work is the Secretary of State doing to tackle the significant access-to-food crisis that is impacting constituents in the Bridgend county borough and right across Wales?

Answer from David Davies

As I have already mentioned, the Government have made sure that pensions, benefits and the minimum wage have risen in line with inflation. There have been other payments as well, with £900 to households on benefits, £300 to pensioners and £100 to those in households where there have been disabilities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not mention specific work being done to address food access crisis

How: May I Respectfully Suggest That The Hon. Gentleman Should Listen To The Earlier Questions And Suggest That The Welsh Government Stop Spending Money On Extra Politicians And Put That Back Into Communities Where It Is Needed?

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Q3 Patricia Gibson SNP
NHS Economy Scotland
Context

Polling indicated widespread worry about rising costs affecting mental health in Scotland and Wales.

Question

Polling of 2,000 people by Public Health Wales found that about eight in 10 Welsh citizens are either worried or very worried about the rising cost of living, with almost half saying that it will have a negative impact on their mental health. Similar concerns have been expressed in Scotland. What consideration have the Secretary of State and his Cabinet colleagues given to the SNP's call for a £400 energy rebate as winter approaches?

Answer from David Davies

As I said, in addition to the Government's priority on supporting the least well-off and the fact that the Government paid around half of people's energy bills during the last winter, we will continue to prioritise those who are having difficulties. If the hon. Lady is really worried about a cost of living crisis and the impact on energy, she will do well to revisit her party's policy of getting rid of the oil and gas industry in the UK, including in Scotland—something that would cost 200,000 jobs and have a terrible impact on energy prices for homeowners across the United Kingdom.

Not addressed: Did not directly address consideration given to £400 energy rebate

How: If The Hon. Lady Is Really Worried About A Cost Of Living Crisis And The Impact On Energy, She Will Do Well To Revisit Her Party'S Policy Of Getting Rid Of The Oil And Gas Industry In The Uk, Including In Scotland—Something That Would Cost 200,000 Jobs And Have A Terrible Impact On Energy Prices For Homeowners Across The United Kingdom.

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Q4 Sarah Atherton
Economy Employment Wales
Context

The Wrexham-Flintshire investment zone bid could bring significant benefits including jobs to the region.

Question

The Wrexham-Flintshire investment zone bid could bring huge benefits to my region, including more and better-paid jobs. An investment zone requires collaboration between the Welsh and UK Governments. There is a possibility that the UK Government could support two zones in Wales, but the Welsh Government have yet to give me a commitment to a second zone. If they do, will the UK Government also commit?

Answer from David Davies

I can assure my hon. Friend that I have made a very strong case to Cabinet colleagues for two investment zones in Wales. She is right that we need the co-operation of the Welsh Labour Government. I suggest that she, and any Members who represent north Wales, write to the Welsh Labour Government's economic development Minister and suggest that Welsh Government prioritise two investment zones for Wales. We would be delighted to work with them when they get around to doing that.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit directly to supporting a second zone if committed by the Welsh government

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