Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cost of Living

Wednesday 4 March 2026 · 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Jennifer Craft asked about steps to reduce the cost of living in Wales.
  • The Minister responded that interest rates have been cut six times since the election.
  • The Minister acknowledged the need to do more to put money in people's pockets.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jennifer Craft Lab Thurrock
Economy Wales
Context

Jennifer Craft noted that the cost of living is a significant issue for people in Wales, and she questioned what steps are being taken to address this.

Question

What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help reduce the cost of living in Wales?

Answer from Anna McMorrin

We know that the cost of living is the No. 1 issue for people across the country and that is why we remain wholly committed to tackling it. As a result of our actions, interest rates have already been cut six times since the election, energy bills will be cheaper this spring and families getting a new mortgage are almost £1,400 a year better off than they were under the Tories.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps for Wales were not mentioned

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Q2 Jennifer Craft Lab Thurrock
Economy Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

Jennifer Craft noted that despite wage increases and inward investment, more needs to be done to put money in people's pockets to lower the cost of living.

Question

Wages and inward investment are up, economic inactivity is down and interest rates have been cut six times. Labour's plan to lower the cost of living is clearly working, but we know that more must be done to put more money in people's pockets. Will the Secretary of State outline what steps she is taking to lower the cost of living?

Answer from Anna McMorrin

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. One of the most important things to this Labour Government is putting more money in the pockets of people across Wales and England. So far, we have increased the national minimum and living wages, giving a pay rise to 160,000 Welsh workers; we have announced the first ever permanent real-terms increase to universal credit, benefiting 320 households in Wales; and we have increased the state pension. A lot has been done and there is still a lot more to do—that is Labour delivering in government.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps for Wales were not detailed

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Q3 Carla Lockhart DUP Upper Bann
Economy Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Carla Lockhart questioned the Government's anti-farming agenda, particularly regarding the family farm tax, in the context of global events affecting food security.

Question

Families and businesses are feeling hard-pressed more than ever, and events around the world are making food security more important than ever. Does the Minister recognise the seriousness of the Government's anti-farming agenda, particularly the family farm tax?

Answer from Anna McMorrin

I listened to what the hon. Member said, but I do not recognise what she says. This Government are listening to farmers and acting to ensure that they feel better off, which includes streamlining and reducing the burden on businesses and cutting costs.

Not addressed: Seriousness of the anti-farming agenda and family farm tax

How: I Listened To What The Hon. Member Said, But I Do Not Recognise What She Says.

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