Economy Update Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Economy Update

Jim Shannon Excerpts
Thursday 26th May 2022

(2 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Rishi Sunak Portrait Rishi Sunak
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As I have said, the Energy Secretary is extensively engaged with both Ofcom and the industry to make sure that we can support people in the best way.

Jim Shannon Portrait Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)
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I thank the Chancellor very much for his statement and for the substantial financial help, which is most welcome. Northern Ireland will directly benefit, as he has said, and I thank him for that. Will the Chancellor confirm that there is a mechanism that ensures the funding goes to the working poor who are on the threshold of universal credit, but do not quite make it? Will he consider realigning the threshold for universal credit with the inflation rate, which would enable those on the border of poverty to stay on their feet and not be knocked over?

Rishi Sunak Portrait Rishi Sunak
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That is why, as well as the very generous support for those on means-tested benefits, we have put in place universal support to ensure that all households receive an extra £200 on top of the £200 we have announced. That will help those people, as will the discretionary fund that we have established.