Press briefing: morning 11 December 2013
The Prime Minister’s Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on dementia, Nelson Mandela's memorial and cost of living.
Dementia
Asked about the G8 dementia summit, the PMS said the Prime Minister (PM) had already announced a doubling of investment in the fight against dementia over the next decade. There would be a communique at the end of the summit. Dementia was an issue facing many countries with growing elderly populations. It was right that countries come together to address vital areas of research.
Nelson Mandela memorial
Asked about the PM’s attendance at Nelson Mandela’s memorial, the PMS said it was a celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life and achievements.
Cost of living
Asked about measuring the cost of living, the PMS said it was right to use Office for National Statistics (ONS) statistics. The Chancellor said in his Autumn Statement that household disposable income was rising, and that was the measure used by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for international comparisons. The country was poorer as a result of the recession in 2008 to 2009. The government was having to take difficult decisions, but was helping hard working families.