Living Standards

In the House of Commons, several Labour MPs asked the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, James Murray, about the government's plans to improve living standards. Chris Webb, the MP for Blackpool South, inquired about the means-testing of the winter fuel allowance and the link to pension credit, noting that many of his constituents who do not receive pension credit may be missing out on £3,900 per year. In response, James Murray acknowledged the importance of ensuring that all eligible pensioners claim their entitlements, and he outlined the government's new campaign to drive up the take-up of pension credit, including a pension credit week of action and direct outreach to 120,000 pensioners. Dan Tomlinson, the MP for Chipping Barnet, and Rachel Taylor, the MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth, both raised concerns about the impact of the previous government's policies on mortgage costs for their constituents. They asked what steps the Chancellor is taking to bring down interest rates and ensure that such a situation never happens again. James Murray acknowledged the damage caused by the previous government's "recklessness" and stated that the new government will "hardwire Budget responsibility into Government" through the Budget Responsibility Bill to prevent a similar crisis. Dame Harriett Baldwin, the MP for West Worcestershire, expressed concerns about the deteriorating living standards of pensioners in her constituency, particularly those with incomes just above the pension credit threshold. She criticized the government's recent spending decisions, suggesting that they have chosen to "balance the books of this country on the very frailest shoulders." James Murray defended the government's investments, stating that the £22 billion "black hole" was due to unfunded spending commitments made by the previous government. Wendy Chamberlain, the MP for North East Fife, raised the issue of people on universal credit running out of money before the end of the month and being unable to afford food. She asked what steps the Treasury is taking to ensure that people do not go hungry this winter. James Murray highlighted the extension of the household support fund as an important measure, but emphasized that the key to improving living standards is to get the economy growing. Kirsty Blackman, the MP for Aberdeen North, questioned whether the government's fiscal rules are more important than the health and wellbeing of pensioners, particularly in comparison to the Scottish Government's approach. James Murray reiterated the importance of fiscal responsibility and stability, stating that this is crucial for economic growth and ensuring that people across Britain are better off.