Child Poverty Covid-19 2020-10-19
2020-10-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted that child poverty rates have been increasing, particularly since the start of the pandemic. She highlighted concerns over existing policies before the crisis and cited opposition from various groups including faith communities, charities, and celebrity figures like Marcus Rashford.
I am concerned about how the Government's response to the pandemic is exacerbating child poverty levels that were already a problem pre-COVID-19. With members of this House, faith communities, leading charities, and even Marcus Rashford campaigning against it, what will you do to end the two-child policy for universal credit once and for all?
The Minister defended the two-child policy as a measure of fairness, stating that it ensures those on benefits are treated similarly to others. He acknowledged Marcus Rashford's campaigning efforts but did not commit to changing the policy, instead mentioning the establishment of a taskforce and promising to consider its recommendations during the spending review.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to ending the two-child policy
We Welcome The Establishment Of The Taskforce
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted that there has been a significant increase in child poverty rates across Birkenhead and the wider north-west, exacerbated by tier 3 restrictions. She questioned the effectiveness of the job support scheme and universal credit.
Child poverty levels are rising in north-west England due to economic impacts from tier 3 restrictions. Despite claims that the job retention scheme and Universal Credit leave households with 90% income, many families receive far less. What assessment has your Department made of how these measures impact child poverty compared to a local furlough scheme?
The Minister stated that this Government has provided significant support through schemes like the job retention and self-employment income support, helping families cope with financial impacts from covid. Additional welfare system enhancements included an extra £9 billion injection to benefits for those in need.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific impact assessment of tier 3 restrictions on child poverty
We Will Look Carefully At The Points Raised
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP emphasised that child poverty rates have been increasing across the north-west before and after tier 3 lockdown measures. She questioned the effectiveness of universal credit and job retention schemes compared to a local furlough scheme.
Child poverty is rising in the north-west, even before considering the economic impact of tier 3 restrictions. Despite claims that these measures protect household incomes, many families receive less than claimed percentages. How has your Department assessed the impact on child poverty and how does this compare to a local furlough scheme?
The Minister highlighted government support packages, including the job retention and self-employment income support schemes. He mentioned strengthening welfare systems with additional £9 billion this year and around £5 billion increase in benefit rates for 2020-21.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific impact assessment of tier 3 restrictions on child poverty
We Will Look Carefully At The Points Raised
Response accuracy