Loneliness Winter 2020-21 2020-11-05
2020-11-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
As winter approaches, concern about increasing loneliness prompts the question.
What steps he is taking to tackle loneliness in winter 2020-21. As winter approaches, loneliness will be a concern for many people.
As part of our £750-million charity funding package, we have put £18 million into charities that tackle loneliness and provide support through online social groups, virtual buddying, telephone helplines and other activities. That is on top of £44 million going towards mental health as part of the same package.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
With the latest lockdown, concerns about isolation and loss of access to free services like TV licences are raised. Age UK estimates that 2 million over-75s live alone; research shows that more than 3,000 households in Stockport may lose access to their free TV licence.
What impact assessment has the Minister made of removing funding for the free over-75s TV licence? Many people will be isolated at home during this latest lockdown. Age UK estimates that 2 million over-75s live alone; research by the Library has revealed that more than 3,000 households in my constituency may lose access to their free TV licence.
The hon. Gentleman is right to raise the issue of the over-75s TV licence. The Government remain deeply disappointed with the BBC's decision to restrict the over-75s licence fee concession. We recognise the value of free TV licences for over-75s.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific impact assessment details were not provided
Response accuracy