Economic Update Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Economic Update

Alexander Stafford Excerpts
Thursday 3rd February 2022

(2 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Rishi Sunak Portrait Rishi Sunak
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I am grateful to my hon. Friend, because I know that this is an issue that was on his mind, and he wanted to make sure his constituents got the support they needed at a time of anxiety for them. I can confirm that the £144 million discretionary fund is there to take care of those people—we estimate around 300,000 people—who are on means-tested benefits and happen to live in council tax bands above A to D. That is why that discretionary fund is there, to get support to the people he mentioned.

Alexander Stafford Portrait Alexander Stafford (Rother Valley) (Con)
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I thank the Chancellor for the £350 help that will really benefit everyone in Rother Valley. Does he agree that it is right that this Government are helping not just those on means-tested benefits, but those not on benefits—the lower and middle-income families—because they also need a helping hand? It is great that this Government reward hard work and those who are doing the right thing.

Rishi Sunak Portrait Rishi Sunak
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My hon. Friend is absolutely right. He has championed his constituents who are working hard and doing the right thing, and today’s announcement will give them reassurance that this Government and their Member of Parliament are on their side.