9. Plaid Cymru debate: Child poverty

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:03 pm on 16 May 2018.

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Photo of Huw Irranca-Davies Huw Irranca-Davies Labour 6:03, 16 May 2018

We're playing around with different datasets here, but those statistics are certain and they're independent and they're proven. However, where we can agree is that it is too high—it is stubbornly high—and we need to use all of the levers in our control to actually bring child poverty down.

If I can turn to some of the remarks from Llyr, he, like many others, highlighted the pernicious impacts of child poverty, and took the intervention from Mike Hedges, who flagged up, actually, the beneficial impact that the Flying Start programme has—indeed had—in those areas it's in. We need to make sure that those same effects are being seen outside of the Flying Start areas, either with that programme or other programmes that we have as well. In fact, our very well-targeted childcare offer, as I said when I appeared before the committee—. The majority of those who are making use within the first year, of the seven pilot authorities, are those below the Welsh median salary—it's those who are actually most in need of having that childcare offer who are the ones who are taking that offer within the first year that we've been assessing that, but we'll bring forward some analysis in the autumn as well.

David, can I simply say, with respect, it is not a lame excuse to point to the responsibility of the UK Government in this as well? We have levers in our control; we do not have all the levers to actually play with. But it was good to hear you praise the efforts of Welsh Government on things like tackling zero hours.

Leanne, I understand that you focused on identifying how many words are in certain documents on poverty. What you didn't do, I have to say, is look at the policies within those strategies that are being delivered now on the ground that are making a difference; the actual tools and mechanisms. I'll turn to some of them in a moment.

Siân talked about how this Welsh Government doesn't have, actually, a policy and strategy around tackling child poverty. Well, we do, and we will refresh it and we will bring forward the progress on that, actually, in 2019.