Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the ongoing challenges faced by households due to high energy costs, inflation, and global economic pressures.
What steps has she taken to help support households with the cost of living? This includes measures like cutting VAT on summer activities and maintaining the triple lock.
The Government recognise that energy costs, inflation and global pressures continue to squeeze household budgets. That is why we have taken careful, targeted action through the great British summer savings package which launches on Thursday, cutting VAT on summer activities so that adventure parks, soft play centres, cinemas and theatres will be cheaper, alongside the work we are doing to maintain the triple lock and to lift children out of poverty.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from constituents facing high energy costs, particularly those dependent on heating oil, which raises concerns about the Government's pledge to cut energy bills.
How does the Chancellor think that squares with the Government's pledge to cut energy bills? The question highlights huge tax rises and their impact on hardworking individuals.
The measures I took in my Budget last year took £150 off energy bills by getting rid of some levies altogether and moving others to general taxation. If we look at the most recent inflation numbers, inflation in the UK was 2.8% last month, which compares to 3.2% in the eurozone and 4% in the US. Food inflation was at its lowest rate for 17 months.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures addressing heating oil costs for constituents
Looking At Inflation Numbers
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to continue supporting families and farmers by addressing transportation costs, particularly focusing on free bus travel for children.
Does the Chancellor agree that continuing to look at how we can support affordable bus travel for constituents like mine in Cannock Chase will be very important even beyond the great summer break? This includes recognising the ongoing need for affordable transport solutions post-summer.
As my hon. Friend knows, we are investing £3 billion in local bus services to both improve the service for passengers and freeze bus fares until at least March next year. This summer there will be unlimited free travel for children aged between five and 15 in his Cannock Chase constituency and across the country.
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Assessment & feedback
Future plans beyond the current summer scheme
Response accuracy