Oral Answers to Questions

Warinder Juss Excerpts

Tuesday 28th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Rachel Reeves]

The fact that some 10,000 children in one constituency have been lifted out of poverty, by just one of the policy changes we have made to reduce child poverty, shows the difference that this Labour Government are making. Combined with the breakfast clubs, the free school meals, the extension of childcare, the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and the building of new homes, the Government are set to deliver the biggest ever reduction in child poverty in one Parliament.

[Warinder Juss (Wolverhampton West) (Lab)]

12. What steps she has taken to help support people with the cost of living in Wolverhampton West constituency.

[The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)]

First of all, I offer my deepest condolences following the tragic death of two young children in my hon. Friend’s constituency. This will be an incredibly distressing time for the whole community and the thoughts of the whole House are with them.

We recognise that everyday living costs remain too high, which is why we are supporting households with their energy bills, and why we have frozen prescription charges for a second year in a row and rail fares for the first time in 30 years. It is also why we have lifted the national living wage and the national minimum wage, so people on low pay can see their money go further.

[Warinder Juss]

I thank the Chancellor for her condolences. I was at the site of the tragedy on Sunday laying flowers. It is very upsetting for everyone in my constituency.

One of my favourite places for lunch is the Pomegranate Café, together with the Central Community Shop, in my constituency. It is a community-based social enterprise partnership founded by the Good Shepherd charity, the Wolves Foundation and the Labour-controlled city of Wolverhampton council. It provides affordable food, and all the profits from the café are donated to the Good Shepherd’s free-to-access services—supporting its work to end homelessness, assist recovery, provide access to services around training and employability, and provide meaningful pathways out of poverty in Wolverhampton. Will the Chancellor please join me in congratulating everyone involved with the Pomegranate Café—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Once again, I think the Chancellor has got the question.