MNHQ here: Got a question for the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak MP?

[JuliaMumsnet]

Hi all,

It's clear from the boards that Mumsnet users are feeling the squeeze from the rising cost of living. So we're pleased to say that later this week, Justine will be sitting down with the man who holds the nation's purse strings, Chancellor Rishi Sunak, to ask him your questions.

If you have a question you'd like answering, you can post it below. Please stick to the usual guidelines - one question per user, keep it civil, and if one topic is dominating, please don't continue to post what's effectively the same question or point. We'll be limited for time so we won't be able to ask every question - but we'll try to make sure we cover the topics that we know are important to Mumsnet users.

We'll be closing the thread at midnight tonight, so please do get your questions in before that - and watch this space to hear the Chancellor's responses!

Thanks,
MNHQ

How are you planning on improving equality in this country? Currently there is a huge gap between the wealthy and the struggling, which seems to be increasing. The middle class are becoming more squeezed and the rich are becoming richer. How are you planning on improving life for all? How are your policies going to produce a higher standard of living for the majority of the country (or even allow them to maintain current living standards)?

Please can I ask you something?

Do you really think this is one of the most pressing questions with everything going on at the moment? If you read this thread, and are generally aware of how many families are struggling financially, surely you would realise that 99.99% of people don't give a fuck about his nickname?

I would be furious if the Chancellor answers questions like this - at the expense of other genuine questions relating to financial issues, especially when people have taken the time here to share their own situations.

I suppose it would show how much, or how little, he gives a fuck about the general public and their worries.

Families in the UK spend more than a third of their income on childcare and that is going up. Families in France spend only 9% of their income on childcare because the state covers 80% of the cost. Why don't you want to copy this model of seeing childcare as infrastructure and supporting parents?

Do you see the Labour party in its current form as credible opposition for the Tories if they continue with Keir Starmer as leader?

What is it about the poor/disabled that you would rather they starve than increase their benefits so that they are able to afford basic food and heating?

Probably iced party rings

What will the Conservative party do to help areas like mine in the South West where housing is becoming really squeezed by second homes and holiday lets?

Can people stop talking about those bloody biscuits? It makes us look like such idiots.

Agreed!

This.

I've noticed that at times the Conservatives talk about experience and skills for the job market.

Does Mr Sunak think he has the experience and skills to be Chancellor? In particular what is his experience of living on Universal Credit and does he have the skill to feed a family, pay for accommodation and heating whilst working at minimum wage full time (such as in a care job)?

Surely, to be qualified for the job, Mr Sunak should demonstrate he has this kind of skill and experience? I think it would be useful if any Chancellor had to spend a period of a few months doing some training - which would consist of trying to survive on a minimum wage job and any applicable benefits. Would Mr Sunak agree?

I live in a flat. Many flats have communal energy systems, which are not currently subject to the price cap. Our communal gas and electricity bills have increased by 300% for the next year - yes, 300%.

(We have to pay energy bills for our own units too, though these are subject to the price cap, but obviously these prices have also increased).

So Rishi, given the current economic / energy crises, my question is, what is the government doing about bringing Communal Energy under regulation and ensuring it is covered by an appropriate price cap?

This country has the second most expensive childcare in the world - the average full time place for a 0-2 year old costing over £12,000 per year and 2/3 of respondents to a recent survey by Pregnant then Screwed reporting they pay as much or more for childcare as they do for their rent or mortgage. This forces many, mainly women, into lower paid or part-time work and many out of work all together. As a parent and as Chancellor, presumably with an interest in supporting as many people as possible to make a positive economic contribution, what are your thoughts on this? Do you think it is time we started viewing high-quality affordable childcare as an investment, akin to education and health - which can help us achieve the best possible outcomes for children, parents and wider society?

How do you sleep at night?

well said.

Who is your favourite Star Wars character the one you thought yeah, I want to be him! (or her)

oops, sorry, stupid MN cross out

I would also like to see this, or at least for the chancellor to sit down and work out in detail how he would run a household on ESA of £77 per week. I would look forward to seeing his budget in detail. He is, after all the chancellor!

How do you manage to sleep at night (in your enormous mansion) when so many people are going to bed hungry and cold.

Since when was your job to disregard the British people's prosperity and just ensure your mates get rich?

Do you foresee a movement to a later retirement age, mine has moved from 60 to 68

Although my DCs are nearly grownups, I would like to see that all childcare is tax deductible through registered providers - do you envisage this ever happening?

Also why are not seeing a movement to Universal Income for all and a removal of the costly benefit system

For example

£12000 paid to everyone in all circumstances and all income above that taxed at a overall higher rate. The most vulnerable protected and a more robust economy with more spending power.