Adequacy of Benefits 2020-09-14
2020-09-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses concerns about the adequacy of benefits provided to those affected by financial disruptions due to the pandemic.
What steps she is taking with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to ensure the adequacy of benefits for claimants. The Government introduced a package of welfare measures worth more than £9.3 billion this year, but concerns remain about the impact on food bank use and poverty levels.
The Government introduced a package of welfare measures worth more than £9.3 billion this year, to help those facing the most financial disruption during the pandemic. We introduced an increase in the universal credit standard allowance for 12 months, worth up to £1,040. Increased local housing allowance rates have put an average of £600 into people's pockets, and we made statutory sick pay available to employees from day one.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about steps being taken specifically with the Chancellor, but the answer focused on measures already implemented without addressing future actions or commitments with the Chancellor.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses concerns about ending the £20 universal credit uplift, which could increase food bank use by 10% according to the Trussell Trust, and plunge 700,000 more people into poverty as warned by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
I thank the Minister for his answer, but ending the £20 universal credit uplift could see food bank use increase by 10%, according to the Trussell Trust, and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has warned that 16 million people could lose £1,000 a year overnight, plunging 700,000 more people into poverty. Will the Government remove that cliff edge and make the £20 uplift to universal credit permanent?
The increase was introduced for an initial period of one year as part of the Government's measures to assist with the financial consequences of covid-19. It was part of a £9.3 billion increase to the welfare system that ensured that it was able to stand up and support the millions of extra people who needed it. Future decisions on benefit rates will be made at the appropriate fiscal event.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about making the £20 uplift permanent, but the answer avoided addressing this specific commitment or timeline.
Response accuracy