Support for People on Low Incomes Covid-19 2020-12-01
2020-12-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of the pandemic on individuals with low income.
What steps are being taken to support people on low incomes during the covid-19 outbreak?
The Government's approach throughout the pandemic has been to try to support all families, but especially those on low incomes. We have announced a £30 billion plan for jobs to help people back into work, alongside wider measures including the furlough schemes, plus catch-up funding for schools and a substantial increase to the welfare safety net for this year, but it is important to say too that the Government are also supporting the lowest paid by increasing the national living wage to £8.91 and providing a minimum £250 pay increase for public sector workers earning less than £24,000 a year.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP acknowledges the national living wage and minimum wage rates increase but highlights the importance of employers providing good work with proper hours, skills, and progression.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that what happens to people on low incomes is not just about what Government do? It is also about what employers do, and we need them to provide good work with the right number of hours and the right skills and progression strategies?
I certainly agree with my hon. Friend that it is important to focus on skills, and of course that is what the plan for jobs does. Our goal is to try to make sure that everyone, at whatever stage of life, has the opportunity and encouragement to improve their position in employment, and of course we also want employers to support them in doing that.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or commitments from employers were not addressed
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP recognizes the benefits provided during the pandemic and acknowledges changes to the tax system that have improved incomes of the lowest paid. He is concerned about maintaining support for these individuals.
In addition to the extra support provided during this pandemic, as my right hon. Friend has already said, the introduction of a national living wage and changes to the tax system have ensured that the lowest paid are up to £6,000 per year better off under this Government. Does he agree that protecting those people who are in work but on low incomes must remain an absolute priority for this Government when difficult decisions have to be made at the Budget?
We certainly, of course, share the view that it is important—very important—to protect the low-paid. The purpose of supporting them through the national living wage was precisely in order to raise their incomes, and that increase is worth some £345 a year for a full-time worker.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitments or actions related to budget priorities were not provided
Response accuracy