Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of increasing the National Living Wage to at least the amount recommended by the Living Wage Foundation.

The Government are committed to building an economy that works for everyone. Through the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and the National Living Wage (NLW), we are ensuring the lowest paid are fairly rewarded for their contribution to the economy.

The Government considers the expert and independent advice of the Low Pay Commission (LPC) when setting the NMW rates. We reward workers with the highest possible minimum wage while considering the impact on the economy and affordability for businesses. As well as looking at living costs, the LPC draws on economic, labour market and pay analysis, independent research and stakeholder evidence.