Covid-19 Employment Support 2021-02-03
2021-02-03
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP notes that discussions are needed regarding support for individuals and organisations negatively impacted by the pandemic.
What recent discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Minister on support for people in Wales whose employment has been adversely affected by the covid-19 outbreak?
I have regular discussions with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on our support for people affected by covid-19. The UK Government have funded the furlough of 8,900 employees and provided over £17 million to the self-employed in the hon. Lady's own constituency.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights inadequacies in welfare support during the pandemic and asks about funding for a UBI pilot.
Given that the pandemic has exposed weaknesses in our welfare system, will the Minister express his support for a UBI pilot and call on the UK Government to fund it?
The UK Government have already provided £5 million of extra funding to the Welsh Government to ensure that they have adequate funds to support businesses and individuals who have been affected by the covid pandemic, and of course the Welsh Government also have tax-raising powers. The reality is that this Government have spent hundreds of billions of pounds supporting businesses and individuals throughout this country, such is our commitment to ensuring that no one is left out as a result of the impact of this terrible pandemic.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly express support for UBI pilot
Under Review
Commitment
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about the proposed reduction of universal credit and its impact on Welsh families.
With many Welsh families still uncertain about their job security and finances, why do the Government think it's appropriate to cut universal credit by £1,000 a year at this time?
I have not yet been promoted to the Treasury, and I cannot possibly predict what might happen in the Budget that may or may not come in a few months' time. Perhaps the hon. Lady knows something that the rest of us do not, but I can tell her that the Government have been steadfast in their commitment to supporting all those who have been left out.
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Assessment & feedback
Asked about Treasury budget decisions he is not responsible for
Not My Responsibility
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questions gaps in support for those who became self-employed recently due to the pandemic and their eligibility for SEISS.
Many people started businesses within a year of the pandemic starting but were locked out of the SEISS when it was announced last March. Now, with tax returns submitted to HMRC, will the Government rethink support measures for these newly self-employed individuals?
The hon. Lady knows very well that I am not responsible for the policies of the Treasury, but I simply point to the fact that we have provided more than £9.3 billion of additional support through the welfare system for people affected by covid, including the £20 a week increase in the universal credit standard allowance.
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Assessment & feedback
Asked about Treasury policies he is not responsible for
Not My Responsibility
Response accuracy