What advice, if any, has she requested on changes to benefit settings that would reduce the level of income support received by beneficiaries in the last six months?

Answer

Corrected reply: As Minister of Finance, I request and receive advice on a wide range of potential spending and savings options for consideration during the annual Budget process. I am not going to comment on individual proposals or advice at this stage, including whether or not they are being considered, as this would undermine the Budget and policy development. Budget 2026 decisions will be announced on Budget Day and documents relating to these decisions will be released as part of the Budget 2026 information release.