Question
T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.
Answer
Three weeks ago, I attended the International Monetary Fund annual meeting. The IMF said that Britain now “stands out” among G7 nations for our fiscal credibility. Last week, my Budget continued that progress. It was a Budget built on fiscal discipline—I meet our fiscal rules and bring borrowing down in every year of the forecast period—and it means that the UK is set to reduce the deficit by more than any other G7 country by 2029. This Budget was a clear political choice: to give Britain breathing space today and fresh hope for the future. As our new Treasury analysis shows, our overall winter support will benefit those with the lowest incomes most. This is how Britain will help British families in the midst of the Iran war—a war that the Conservative party wanted to jump straight into. This support is funded by a fair and time-limited tax on banks, which the Conservatives oppose. This is our choice. This is our Budget. This is a Budget for working people.7% point-scoring 27% vibes
Verdict: AMBER (30/100)
The single question item asked for a statement of the department's responsibilities. The reply touches on Treasury matters such as the Budget, fiscal rules, borrowing, winter support and the bank tax, so it partly relates to the department's remit. However, it is mostly political rhetoric and never clearly sets out what the department is responsible for, so the answer is only partial and hedged. A member of the public would likely need to ask again for a direct account of the department's responsibilities.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will the Minister make a statement on his departmental responsibilities? | Partially Addressed | Hedged | The reply is a ministerial statement on Treasury matters (the Budget, fiscal rules, borrowing, winter support, the bank tax), so it arguably covers the minister's departmental remit. However, the item asks for a statement on departmental responsibilities in general, and the reply is mostly political boasting and rhetoric that never frames or describes the department's responsibilities as such. |