Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Wendy Chamberlain and John Lamont

Wednesday 28th June 2023 Commons Chamber

[Christine Jardine (Edinburgh West) (LD)]

14. What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on trends in the level of child poverty in Scotland.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (John Lamont)]

This Government are committed to tackling child poverty and protecting the most vulnerable in society. In the recent Budget, the Chancellor announced additional support measures for households and families across Scotland and, indeed, across all parts of the United Kingdom. A further example of support for families was announced earlier today, with the UK Government making childcare more affordable.

[Wendy Chamberlain]

Almost 90,000 food parcels were given to children in Scotland last year, and the Trussell Trust’s “Hunger in Scotland” report shows that single parents make up only 2% of the population but 17% of those who have gone hungry. This is about insufficiency of income. The adult rate of benefits should be restored to single parents under the age of 25 on universal credit, which would be a practical way for the UK Government to support them. Does the Minister agree?

[John Lamont]

I recognise the work that the hon. Lady undertakes with the all-party group on food banks. The Government are protecting the most vulnerable, with a £94 billion support package for households, and we have helped nearly 2 million people out of absolute poverty, after housing costs, since 2010.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Wendy Chamberlain and John Lamont

Wednesday 16th November 2022 Commons Chamber

[John Lamont]

We continue to engage with our colleagues in the Scottish Government on this and a number of other policy areas, I would be happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss further opportunities that we might be able to create in future.

[Wendy Chamberlain (North East Fife) (LD)]

10. What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on support for households with energy bill increases in Scotland.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (John Lamont)]

The UK Government’s energy price guarantee will reduce the unit cost of electricity and gas so that typical households across Great Britain, including in Scotland, save around £700 this winter, reducing bills by roughly a third.

[Wendy Chamberlain]

When people face energy price increases, it is important that they have confidence that the bills they receive from their provider are correct. After an intervention from my office, we have sorted out my constituent’s bill, but she has now had another invoice. This seems to be a growing trend, as I am now dealing with seven cases. What discussions has the Scotland Office had with Ofgem? With rising prices and higher energy costs in Scotland, it is critical that we address this issue.

[John Lamont]

I am concerned to hear about that case. Ofgem is independent of the Government but, if the hon. Lady sends me the details, I would be happy to raise the case directly with Ofgem.