Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Impact of Autumn Statement 2023-12-06 (2)

Wednesday 6 December 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

  • Ruth Jones inquired about discussions with Cabinet colleagues on UK Government support for households in Wales following the autumn statement.
  • The Chancellor announced a 9.8% rise in the national living wage, providing additional earnings for full-time workers.
  • Oliver Heald noted Glenys Kinnock's contributions to politics and expressed support for recent measures announced in the autumn statement.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn
Economy Wales Benefits & Welfare
Context

The number of emergency food parcels distributed in Newport West by Trussell Trust food banks has increased from 1,971 in 2018 to over 3,000 during the same period this year.

Question

In light of the increase in emergency food parcel distributions and concerns about household impacts, what discussions have you had with Cabinet colleagues regarding UK Government support for households in Wales following the autumn statement?

Answer from David Davies

In the autumn statement, the Chancellor announced a 9.8% rise in the national living wage, providing an extra £1,800 to full-time workers' annual earnings; inflation has been halved; there was a cut in national insurance contributions; and pensions and benefits are going up in line with inflation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific increase in food bank usage in Newport West and the lack of measures to address it

How: With Respect, I Disagree With The Hon. Lady.

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Q2 Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn
Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

Food bank distributions in Newport West have more than doubled from 1,971 parcels in 2018 to over 3,000 this year.

Question

Considering the significant rise in emergency food parcel distributions and the specific figures provided, what measures are being taken or announced in the autumn statement to alleviate these pressures for families?

Answer from David Davies

The fact that inflation has been halved will benefit those receiving food parcels; there was a cut in national insurance contributions; an increase in the living wage will be beneficial; and pensions and benefits are going up in line with inflation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures to address increased food bank usage specifically in Newport West

How: There Was Nothing In The Autumn Statement That Would Make That Situation Better.

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Q3 Oliver Heald Con
Economy Wales
Context

The UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly has been meeting in Westminster to discuss European Parliament activities, including tributes to significant figures like Glenys Kinnock.

Question

Given the recent meetings of the UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly discussing the contributions of Glenys Kinnock and noting her advocacy for women's rights, does my right hon. Friend agree that measures such as cutting national insurance, improving the living wage, and reducing inflation are crucial to supporting Welsh households and others across the UK?

Answer from David Davies

I agree that Glenys Kinnock made an enormous contribution to politics; I support her son's work on steelmaking in south Wales. The recent changes in the autumn statement will be beneficial for people in Wales and across the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific impact of national insurance cuts, living wage improvements, and inflation reduction on Welsh households

How: May I Add To The Tributes And Support Everything That My Right Hon. And Learned Friend Said.

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