Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cost of Living: Falkirk

Tuesday 23 June 2026 · 2 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

  • The government's measures include raising the national living wage and minimum wage, maintaining the triple lock on pensions, extending free school meals to more families, and introducing a VAT cut for family days out this summer.
  • The VAT reduction starts on the first day of the Scottish school holidays and continues until 1 September.
  • The government acknowledges the consequences of the war but does not address specific energy bill support for working families directly.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Euan Stainbank Lab Falkirk
Economy Energy Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question arises from concerns about the impact of high inflation and rising energy bills on residents in Falkirk, who are seeking relief measures.

Question

What steps has she taken to help support people with the cost of living in Falkirk? She notes that families are anxiously looking at the other side of the summer, expecting a rise in energy bills. Does the Chancellor agree that any forthcoming targeted energy bill support must similarly extend to working families?

Answer from Rachel Reeves

The government's measures include raising the national living wage and minimum wage, maintaining the triple lock on pensions, extending free school meals to more families, and introducing a VAT cut for family days out this summer. The VAT reduction starts with the Scottish school holidays and continues until 1 September. The government will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary actions to support families.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about forthcoming targeted energy bill support for working families was not directly addressed

How: We Will Continue To Monitor The Situation And Take Every Action Necessary To Support Families

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Q2 Euan Stainbank Lab Falkirk
Economy Taxation Energy
Context

The question stems from recent government announcements regarding a summer VAT reduction aimed at supporting families during holidays. There is concern about the sustainability of support post-summer due to rising energy costs.

Question

The cut to VAT for family days out this summer starts along with the summer holidays later this week. This is a Labour Government acting to bring down the cost for families visiting Falkirk's fantastic tourism, leisure and hospitality attractions. Many families are anxiously looking at the other side of the summer, with energy bills rising as a direct consequence of the illegal Iran war. Does the Chancellor agree that any forthcoming targeted energy bill support must similarly extend to working families?

Answer from Rachel Reeves

The VAT reduction starts on the first day of the Scottish school holidays and continues until 1 September, alongside free bus travel in England. The government acknowledges the consequences of the war but does not address specific energy bill support for working families directly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about forthcoming targeted energy bill support for working families was not directly addressed

How: We Will Continue To Monitor The Situation And Take Every Action Necessary To Support Families

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)