Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cost of Living

Wednesday 17 January 2024 · 6 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 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Kirsten Oswald asked about recent discussions on cost of living increases with Northern Ireland, and the Government responded with details on cost of living payments and the need for a functioning Executive.
  • Chris Stephens questioned if the UK Government's response to the cost of living crisis leaves Northern Ireland behind regarding public sector worker pay, to which the Minister replied that the issue is for Northern Ireland to decide and urged parties to restore the Assembly.
  • Patricia Gibson inquired why households have been left without support this winter due to increased energy costs and colder temperatures, and the Minister responded that further support was announced, including 900 payments, and highlighted the importance of prosperity in Northern Ireland.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Economy Northern Ireland
Context

Recent discussions between the government and Northern Ireland's Administration about the cost of living crisis.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with the Administration in Northern Ireland on the effect of cost of living increases?

Answer from Steven Baker

The Government have taken decisive action to help tackle increases in the cost of living, including support for vulnerable households through a range of measures such as £900 cost of living payments. Emphasis is placed on the need for a functioning Executive in Northern Ireland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details about recent discussions with the Administration were not provided.

How: Vagueness

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Q2 Chris Stephens SNP
Economy Northern Ireland
Context

Public sector workers in Northern Ireland have seen real pay fall by over 7%.

Question

Does the UK Government's response to the cost of living crisis leave Northern Ireland behind, especially concerning public sector worker pay?

Answer from Steven Baker

The money made available includes a sum for enabling public sector pay to be settled in Northern Ireland, but it is a matter decided there. The Minister urges parties to restore the Assembly and Executive.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm whether UK Government would join cross-party calls for fair pay.

How: Vagueness

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Q3 Patricia Gibson SNP
Economy Housing Northern Ireland
Context

The UK is experiencing a record drop in living standards.

Question

Why have the UK Government left households out in the cold this winter, given increased energy costs and colder temperatures?

Answer from Steven Baker

Further cost of living support through the winter period was announced, including £900 payments to eligible households across the UK. The Minister emphasizes the need for prosperity in Northern Ireland and points out that disposable incomes there are particularly squeezed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address leaving households 'out in the cold'.

How: Vagueness

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Q4 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Employment Northern Ireland
Context

Earnings in Northern Ireland fell by 1.8% month-on-month, while UK earnings rose by 1.2%. Earnings difference is the biggest on record.

Question

What steps are being taken now to offer a sustainable pay deal for public sector workers in the absence of a functioning Stormont?

Answer from Steven Baker

A substantial sum is available for parties in the package, and the Government are seized of the need to ensure that public sector workers have a pay rise. However, decisions on this matter must be taken by the devolved Government in Northern Ireland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps being taken for sustainable pay deal.

How: Vagueness

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Q5 Theresa Villiers Con
Economy Northern Ireland
Context

The Government's package to support people with the cost of living amounts to about £94 billion over two years.

Question

Can my right hon. Friend assure that people in Northern Ireland have had full access to these cost of living support measures?

Answer from Steven Baker

Northern Ireland households benefited from unprecedented Government support, including energy price guarantee on electricity and gas bills; £600 in payments; targeted support for vulnerable households. The Minister assures that the UK Union benefits Northern Ireland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific assurance about full access to measures.

How: Vagueness

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Q6 Fleur Anderson Lab Putney
Northern Ireland Children & Families
Context

The Melted Parents campaign group speaks for parents across Northern Ireland facing hard times due to cost of living crisis.

Question

Will a new temporary Budget include childcare funding provision if it is debated in the House?

Answer from Steven Baker

The issue is very important and frequently raised. The Budget will be debated, and it is hoped that we will return to this matter. Emphasis is placed on restoring the Executive in Northern Ireland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm inclusion of childcare funding provision in the Budget.

How: Vagueness

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