Oral Answers to Questions

Marion Fellows Excerpts

Tuesday 9th March 2021 Commons Chamber

[Kenny MacAskill (East Lothian) (SNP)]

What recent discussions he has had with his Scottish Government counterpart on the effect of UK fiscal policy on living standards in Scotland.

[Marion Fellows (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP)]

What recent discussions he has had with his Scottish Government counterpart on the effect of UK fiscal policy on living standards in Scotland.

[Amy Callaghan (East Dunbartonshire) (SNP)]

What recent discussions he has had with his Scottish Government counterpart on the effect of UK fiscal policy on living standards in Scotland.

--- Later in debate ---

[Steve Barclay]

Many businesses across Scotland argued for the alcohol freeze, not least the Scottish whisky industry. They also argued for the fuel freeze, which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor delivered. I am also surprised, when the hon. Gentleman talks of community, that he does not even recognise the extra capacity funding that his community received in the Budget. With all these things that impact the community, clearly, the additional £1.2 billion of funding received by the Scottish Government through Barnett consequentials at the Budget will again enable the Scottish Government to work with the UK Government to deliver better services in his community.

[Marion Fellows [V]]

The poverty Chancellor has refused to make permanent the £20 universal credit increase and apply it to legacy benefits, with 75% of those affected being disabled. If he refuses to change course, 60,000 Scots, including 20,000 children, will be left in poverty and forced to decide between heating and eating. If the Minister was in their position, what would he choose: heating or eating?

[Steve Barclay]

First, as was set out in analysis published with the Budget, the measures that the Government have taken have supported the poorest working households the most. Secondly, the hon. Lady also failed to mention the additional capacity funding for her community that was announced at the Budget. Thirdly, the Scottish Government requested specific powers in respect of benefits and tax, and, of course, they have the option to use those powers that they said that they wanted.