On 26 May 2022, the Chancellor announced some new support measures to help families with the cost of living. Stephen urged him to improve the process of benefit uprating.
Some of the measures introduced include a windfall tax on oil and gas firms, a one off cost of living payment of £650 for low income households, additional money for those in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment, and an extra £150 from September for those on disability benefits.
The Work and Pensions Select Committee, which Stephen chairs, has continued to press the Government to reinstate the £20 a week Universal Credit uplift. This call has been rejected.
Speaking in the chamber, Stephen said “…it is time now to rethink the mechanism through which benefits are uprated…and also the level at which benefits are set.”
You can watch Stephen’s full question - and the Chancellor’s response - below.