Oral Answers to Questions

Andy McDonald Excerpts

Tuesday 3rd November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Dan Tomlinson]

I have already answered similar questions on this topic. This revenue has been in the forecast since 2019, and the decision is a quasi-judicial one for the Environment Secretary.

[Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough and Thornaby East) (Lab)]

I welcome the Budget’s council tax rebate, which will provide much-needed relief to over 50,000 households in Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, but hardship remains. The Trussell Trust reports that local food banks distributed over 10,000 emergency food parcels last year—up almost 50% on pre-pandemic levels. Does the Minister agree that more ambitious action is needed, and will he ensure that the Government’s response to the Milburn and Timms reviews does not further restrict social security support, leaving people unable to afford the essentials, and instead advances Labour’s commitment to end the need for emergency food?

[Torsten Bell]

I absolutely agree with the point that my hon. Friend makes about reliance on emergency food parcels. In his constituency, over 90% of properties fall into council tax bands A to D, which means that residents will receive £100 directly in their bank accounts come January, in the coldest part of the year, but he is right to say that we must go further. That is why we will see 29 million households benefiting from the extended cut to VAT on electricity and 35 million motorists benefiting through extending the freeze in fuel duty. On the social security question he raises, that is also why we have ensured we are changing the support that goes to families with children, so that this Parliament sees the biggest fall in child poverty of any Parliament on record.