MS, Prif Weinidog, MS, Cabinet Secretary for Social
Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip and MS, Cabinet Secretary for
Finance and Welsh Language: The Welsh Government has welcomed
participation in the Four Nations Ministerial Group informing the
UK Child Poverty Strategy. We have used those opportunities to
call for positive changes in social security policy to tackle
child poverty, particularly seeking a commitment to end the two
child benefit rule.
As the work of the UK Spending Review comes towards a conclusion,
the work of the Ministerial Group becomes even more important.
The long tail of austerity has left a legacy of difficulties for
many children across the UK. Unless action is taken, child
poverty is set to rise by a further 100,000 children in each year
of this UK parliamentary term.
Fortunately, answers are at hand. Government Ministers met
recently with Welsh members of the organisation, Patriotic
Millionaires. While discussions were wide ranging, the focus on
tackling poverty was especially useful.
The proposals of Patriotic Millionaires are echoed in a paper
published last week by former Prime Minister . It, too, demonstrates where
significant funding could be raised to tackle poverty, without in
any way raising taxes on working families. The investment repays
itself many times over in making the lives of children better and
more productive.
In that context, successive Welsh Governments have taken action
which leaves money in the pockets of Welsh citizens, especially
where that releases funds to respond to the needs of children.
From the most inclusive scheme of childcare for three and four
year olds anywhere in the UK, through to the help provided with
the cost of the school day, in every year of a child's education,
sustaining and expanding Flying Start for children in the most
disadvantaged areas of Wales, to the most generous scheme of
student support, we are helping to tackle poverty. From the
roll-out of free school meals for all primary school children,
uplifts to the Education Maintenance Allowance, our Claim What's
Yours initiative, Welsh Benefits Charter, which has been signed
up to 22 Local Authorities to boost take-up of Welsh benefits,
the Welsh Governments has used its devolved powers to advance the
case of tackling child poverty.
We once again urge the Chancellor to explore actively the range
of options for raising revenue to ensure that funds are used
where the greatest difference can be made – in the lives of our
children.
