Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Monday, 14 October 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 17 October 2019 (named day). It was answered by Rishi Sunak (Conservative) on Thursday, 17 October 2019 on behalf of the Treasury.

Food: Prices

Question

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has for a hardship fund to assist people in greatest difficulty in the event that food prices rise following the UK exiting the EU without a deal.

Answer

HM Treasury routinely monitors economic conditions and risks, and the Government has a range of mechanisms available to support vulnerable people from price rises in food. We stand ready to take appropriate action in the event the UK exits the EU without a deal.

Furthermore, officials estimate the direct impact of spending decisions on household living standards, and would continue to do so in any no deal response. This is a central consideration when allocating public funds.

The temporary tariff regime, as confirmed on 8 October, took into account, amongst other things, the need to help mitigate any price rises that could affect UK consumers and supply chains. This was a key consideration when setting tariffs on all goods, including food.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
26
Session
2019-19
Subjects
Disadvantaged Finance Food Prices Brexit
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk