Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Julian Smith and Chris Philp

Tuesday 11th October 2022 Commons Chamber

[Chris Philp]

I am obviously not going to offer any kind of running commentary on the ongoing internal discussions. I have said that the normal ordinary statutory process is ongoing, but the Government are mindful of the cost of living pressures that people are facing. I would draw the hon. Member’s attention to the large increase in the national minimum wage—I think about 7%—that took place last April or May, and there are now more vacancies in the economy than there are people on unemployment benefits.

[Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)]

Can the Minister confirm that the Government will not balance the forthcoming tax cuts on the backs of the poorest people in our country?

[Chris Philp]

The Government’s first objective is to ensure that the economy is growing. That will help to lift wages and to create new jobs and a sustainable tax base for our public services, but as we make the decisions that my right hon. Friend refers to, we are going to balance considerations of fairness and the cost of living pressures that people suffer with the interests of the taxpayers who are working hard to pay tax.

Housing and Planning Bill (First sitting)

Debate between Julian Smith and Chris Philp

Tuesday 10th November 2015 Public Bill Committees

[Chris Philp (Croydon South) (Con)]

May I likewise draw the Committee’s attention to my declarations in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests?

[Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)]

Likewise, I draw Members’ attention to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests.