Social Security Payments: Uprating

Baroness Lister of Burtersett Excerpts

Monday 10th October 2022 Lords Chamber

[Lord Davies of Gower (Con)]

The noble Lord makes a good point, but we will have to wait to see what the indices indicate at a future date before 25 November.

[Baroness Lister of Burtersett (Lab)]

My Lords, my noble friend has already pointed out that benefits were uprated by less than inflation this year, so we do not have to wait to know any more about that. Could the Minister explain what assessment the Government are making on the impact on poverty—both its extent and depth—if they renege on their promise to uprate benefits in line with inflation?

[Lord Davies of Gower (Con)]

We have targeted additional support directly at those most in need, with a £650 cost of living payment coming in two instalments this year, in addition to the £400 energy rebate and our energy price guarantee. This will save the typical household approximately £1,000 a year, based on the current October prices.