Oral Answers to Questions

Helen Grant Excerpts

Tuesday 16th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr George Osborne)]

With your permission, Mr Speaker, if I dare ask for it, I should like to answer this question with questions 6 and 7.

[Mrs Helen Grant (Maidstone and The Weald) (Con)]

6. What fiscal measures he has introduced to provide assistance for pensioners since his appointment.

[Nick de Bois (Enfield North) (Con)]

7. What fiscal measures he has introduced to provide assistance for pensioners since his appointment.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Osborne]

First, next year, the pension will be linked to the retail prices index number for September—4.6%. That will be a welcome support for pensioners from April. However, I should make the broader point that of course, re-linking pensions and guaranteeing through our commitment that they will go up either in line with earnings or prices, or by 2.5%, is a really substantial boost for pensioners. That reflects the fact that many pensioners have worked hard and saved hard all their lives. I am glad that that was one of the first policy announcements of this coalition Government.

[Mrs Grant]

What fiscal action will the Chancellor take to assist voluntary sector organisations, which do so much to help our pensioners?

[Mr Osborne]

The spending review set out a £470 million package of support for the voluntary sector, including an endowment fund and a transition fund. In addition, the big society bank, which will be funded by dormant bank accounts, will provide a new source of finance for the sector. The Government completely understand the incredible role that such organisations play in supporting elderly people in our community, and we want to help them to do so.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander)]

As the hon. Gentleman knows—and as the whole House knows—the justification for the measure that we took was to ensure that the cost of the spending review fell equally across the population so that those with the broadest shoulders would bear a greater share of the burden. In those circumstances, it is right that child benefit should be taken away from families with higher rate taxpayers. I would have thought that the Opposition would support that, not oppose it.

[Mrs Helen Grant (Maidstone and The Weald) (Con)]

T4. What fiscal action will be taken to increase social mobility and to stimulate it in our country?