On Tuesday 5 July, there was an Estimates Day Debate for the Department for Work and Pensions on the cost of living. Stephen opened the debate, and focused on the levels at which benefits are set and uprated.
Prices are rising and inflation in May was the highest since 1982, at 9.1%. It is expected to reach 11% by October. In response to these rising costs, the then-Chancellor - Rishi Sunak - announced measures to support households in February, March and May.
During his speech, Stephen focused on the two measures that would be funded by the DWP - the household support fund and the payment for those receiving disability benefits. He welcomed the measures but highlighted a number of concerns with them too.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Stephen said “welcome though the Chancellor’s announcements are, I agree that it would be far better to have an uprating system that works properly, rather than having to resort to these stopgap measures to deal with the emergency.”
You can watch Stephen’s full speech below.