Oral Answers to Questions

Damien Moore Excerpts

Monday 18th December 2023 Commons Chamber

[Mims Davies]

Adults in workless households are seven times more likely to be in poverty than those in working households. That is why our focus is on work. The Scotland Act 2016 gave the Scottish Parliament the powers that have been invoked, including on the child payment, and that is very pleasing for us. The Act transferred those powers for carers and disability benefits, worth £3.3 billion. The hon. Gentleman and his Government can make the decisions that suit their communities. That is the right approach.

[Damien Moore (Southport) (Con)]

9. What steps his Department is taking to help pensioners with the cost of living.

[David Simmonds (Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner) (Con)]

18. What steps his Department is taking to help pensioners with the cost of living.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Paul Maynard)]

More than 8 million pensioner households will receive a £300 payment this winter to top up their winter fuel allowance payment. The 1.4 million pensioners currently in receipt of pension credit may also receive cost of living payments totalling up to £900 in 2023-24.

[Damien Moore]

In Southport we have a significant number of pensioners who, having lost their partners, now face the added challenge of managing increased living costs alone. Can the Minister kindly elaborate on what specific initiatives or support mechanisms are in place to assist people in those financially difficult circumstances, to ensure that they get the support they deserve?