Cost of Living

2026-06-17

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Jas Athwal Lab
Ilford South
Context
The cost of living crisis in Wales has worsened with rising prices and inflation. The Labour Government promised to take steps to help.
What steps are you taking with Cabinet colleagues to help reduce the cost of living in Wales? I am concerned about the impact on families and individuals struggling financially.
We are doing everything we can to tackle the cost of living, including increasing wages faster than inflation, creating thousands of jobs, helping people into work, and increasing pensions and universal credit. We are also going further to ease pressure on families this summer, as tackling the cost of living is a core purpose of this UK Labour Government.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions in Wales were not detailed, only general statements made.
Response accuracy
Q2 Direct Answer
Elaine Stewart Lab
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock
Context
The Chancellor announced the Great British Summer Savings Scheme to help families save money during the holidays. The impact of this scheme needs assessment.
Can you update the House on the impact that these measures will have in Wales? I want to know how it will benefit my constituents and local businesses.
The Great British summer savings scheme is cutting VAT on children's meals, tickets for cinemas and theatres and other attractions. We are also lowering tariffs on more than 100 staple products to ease pressure on household budgets, support parents during school holidays, and back Welsh businesses.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3 Direct Answer
Jas Athwal Lab
Ilford South
Context
The Government removed the two-child cap, which helped many families. The impact on children in Wales needs to be explained.
How is removing the two-child cap helping children in Wales? This policy took 5,000 children out of poverty in my constituency and I want to know its broader impact.
The removal of the two-child limit will benefit nearly 70,000 children right across Wales. We have also increased universal credit for 320,000 families and raised the minimum and living wages to help reduce poverty.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Ann Davies PC
Caerfyrddin
Context
The new minority Plaid Cymru Welsh Government is claiming to take action, while the UK Labour Government has cut winter fuel payments for pensioners.
Does the Secretary of State concede that Plaid Cymru is focusing on making a difference to people's lives and lowering the cost of living in Wales? We see actions rather than just words from them.
This Government have invested £134 million in the Cardiff capital region, approved seven new youth hubs across Wales, launched the summer savings scheme to cut costs, announced a social media ban to keep children safe, given pay rises to armed forces personnel, and expanded the Valour programme for veterans.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions in comparison were not detailed, only mentioned without comparison to Plaid Cymru's actions.
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Daisy Cooper Lib Dem
St Albans
Context
Farmers are facing pressures due to increased fertiliser and red diesel prices following the conflict between Trump and Iran.
Unless urgent action is taken, higher costs for Welsh farmers will ultimately mean higher food prices. What measures are you introducing to tackle this issue?
We have protected farming budgets, all trade deals signed help farmers, and we are looking at all measures that can be introduced to tackle the cost of living and economic impact from the Iran war. We did not want to get involved in this conflict.
Assessment & feedback
Specific mitigation measures were not detailed; only general statements made.
Response accuracy