Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP references the abolition of the two-child limit as a step in reducing child poverty but notes high levels of poverty, especially among single-parent families with young children. The Trussell Trust reported 1,300 food parcels were provided to Liverpool Wavertree's children last year.
The MP noted that despite the abolition of the two-child limit by the Government as a step in cutting child poverty, some poorest families still face benefit caps. In her constituency, there are shockingly high levels of child poverty: 70% and 61% in certain wards. The cap often hits single-parent families with young children who rely on food banks to survive. She asked the Government to review the benefit cap to protect families with very young children from poverty.
The government will keep the policy under review but currently believes that work incentives are crucial to reducing poverty. The abolition of the two-child limit benefits 2 million children, while 50,000 capped households would not see a gain. Childcare support within universal credit is unaffected by the cap.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to reviewing or adjusting the benefit cap specifically for families with young children
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The House of Commons Library reports child poverty rates are significantly lower in Scotland compared to England, partly due to the Scottish Child Payment. The government's mission is to tackle child poverty.
In light of the government's aim to reduce child poverty, the MP asked what additional measures beyond scrapping the two-child limit are being planned by the Government, such as removing the bedroom tax. He cited lower child poverty rates in Scotland and the impact of the Scottish Child Payment.
The scrapping of the two-child limit will move 450,000 children out of poverty. Additional measures from last year's child poverty strategy will lift another 100,000 children out of poverty. The government remains committed to reviewing policies.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific measures beyond scrapping the two-child limit and childcare support within universal credit
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
An MP called for more money to be spent on benefits. The MP mentions that 100,000 households are avoiding the benefit cap.
The MP responded to a previous question by calling for additional spending on benefits and noted the number of households avoiding the benefit cap.
If there is a plan, I would like to see it. The comments are further examples of dissatisfaction with the system left by the previous Labour Government after 14 years. We are reforming the benefit system to ensure it does its job properly and will continue this programme.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the need for additional benefits spending or review of the benefit cap
Attacking Previous Government
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of the benefit cap on people who are not in work, referencing specific wards in her constituency with high child poverty rates.
The MP expressed concern over those affected by the benefit cap being pushed into poverty. She highlighted that many families cannot work due to disability or caring responsibilities and face financial hardship as a result of the cap.
Being in work is the best way to avoid poverty. The benefit cap gives a modest but significant incentive to start and progress in work. It does not apply to those on disability or caring benefits, but remains for others as an encouragement to work.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps to ensure people impacted by the cap are not in poverty
Response accuracy