Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the findings of the Resolution Foundation of 14 March 2022 that rising food and energy prices mean inflation could reach over ten per cent for the poorest decile of households in 2022.

The Government recognises the challenge that many are facing with the cost of living and is committed to supporting all groups in society, including those on the lowest incomes.

This is why the Government has announced a package of support to help households with rising energy bills, worth £9.1 billion in 2022-23. This includes a £200 discount on their energy bill this Autumn for domestic electricity customers in Great Britain, a £150 non-repayable rebate in Council Tax bills for all households in Bands A-D in England and a £144 million of discretionary funding for Local Authorities to support households who need support but are not eligible for the Council Tax rebate.

This is on top of existing support for households with the cost of energy bills, such as the Warm Home Discount, the Winter Fuel Payment and the Cold Weather Payment. It also builds on the £500m Household Support Fund, which is helping vulnerable households with the cost of essentials such as food, clothing and utilities.

This is in addition to helping people get into work and progress through the Plan for Jobs, and increasing the National Living Wage by 6.6% to £9.50 an hour.