Contributions
520 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCost of LivingMy hon. Friend is completely correct. The household support fund has done so much to help people struggling with the cost of living. I commend the way that Buckinghamshire Council…07 May 2024HANSARDScottish Government and Welsh Government FundingIn addition to changes in funding at supplementary estimates 2023-24, and in line with the statement of funding policy, the Welsh Government have chosen to draw down £265.056…22 Mar 2024HANSARDEuropean Union Finances: Annual StatementI am today laying before Parliament “The European Union Finances Statement 2023 on the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement” (CP 1043). This is an annual publication; this…21 Mar 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe Barnett consequentials formula is long established. It gives a clear framework, through which we can understand spending in the devolved nations. The hon. Gentleman will know…19 Mar 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsI commend my hon. Friend and my hon. Friend the Member for Kensington (Felicity Buchan) on their great work on this project. There appears to be a compelling case, and I know that…19 Mar 2024HANSARDBlock Grant FundingThe hon. Gentleman is aware that the block grant has been going up in real terms. He will also be aware that the Scottish Government can switch resource to capital—unlimited…19 Mar 2024HANSARDCost of LivingThe rise in inflation caused by Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine and the subsequent energy price shock has put enormous pressure on households. Thanks to work by the Bank of England…19 Mar 2024HANSARDBlock Grant FundingThe only area in which I agree with the hon. Gentleman is that I would love to know what the Labour party’s spending plans are for the next Parliament—perhaps Labour Members will…19 Mar 2024HANSARDBlock Grant FundingJust to be absolutely clear, the Scottish Government’s total departmental expenditure limit is growing in real terms over this Parliament by over 1% a year on average.19 Mar 2024HANSARDCost of LivingWe have talked a lot today about the £400 billion of support that we put in during the pandemic and the £100 billion of support that we put in to support people during Putin’s…19 Mar 2024HANSARDCost of LivingReal wages are now, happily, starting to rise and, as I have said, the OBR has said that inflation will be back to target next quarter. What would not help the cost of living is…19 Mar 2024HANSARDBlock Grant FundingOver the next Parliament, our plans are for spending to go up in real terms—I want to be absolutely clear about that. Equally, spending has gone up in real terms over this…19 Mar 2024HANSARDBlock Grant FundingThe Scottish Government are well funded to deliver their devolved responsibilities, and receive 25% more funding on average per person than the equivalent UK Government spending…19 Mar 2024HANSARDBlock Grant FundingAs a result of decisions at the spring Budget, the Scottish Government are receiving around £295 million in additional funding in 2024-25 through the Barnett formula.19 Mar 2024HANSARDBudget ResolutionsIt is a privilege to open the final day of debate on the Budget—a Budget with a plan to grow the economy, a plan for better public services and a plan to make work pay. Today’s…12 Mar 2024HANSARDBudget ResolutionsI will say to the hon. Gentleman that since 2010 we have grown faster than France, Germany and Italy, and we are predicted to do the same in the next five years. It is no…12 Mar 2024HANSARDBudget ResolutionsI am sure that the hon. Gentleman will see in the OBR figures that public sector net debt overall is expected to fall, and public sector net debt excluding the Bank of England is…12 Mar 2024HANSARDBudget ResolutionsTo put it simply, it is because we are more in control of that figure. The overall figure is falling, but public sector net debt excludes the impact of the Bank of England on the…12 Mar 2024HANSARDBudget ResolutionsYes, the savings in the productivity plan will amount to billions of pounds. Let me say a little about the economic context. The last few years have not been easy. The pandemic,…12 Mar 2024HANSARDBudget ResolutionsI am sure the hon. Lady will be pleased to know that the average earner will be subject to the lowest effective tax rate since 1975.12 Mar 2024