9. Plaid Cymru debate: Child poverty

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:09 pm on 16 May 2018.

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Photo of Huw Irranca-Davies Huw Irranca-Davies Labour 6:09, 16 May 2018

Okay. Well, let me turn to the aspect of devolution of welfare or administrative control. We do not support this for reasons of principle and hard-headed practicality. On principle, we believe that we should all be entitled to an equal claim from a welfare state to provide support when needed and to tackle poverty in Swansea and in Swindon, in Bangor but also in Bognor. In practical terms also, a broader based welfare support system provides resilience against localised economic shocks and cyclical downturns that a smaller system simply cannot, and we should, Dirprwy Lywydd, be extremely cautious of rushing to changes in the social security system before assessing the costs. The costs to Scotland are significant, including £66 million for administration and a one-off amount of £200 million for implementation of their newly devolved welfare powers. Should we be putting those into front-line services that tackle poverty? We can do more, Dirprwy Lywydd, without seeking further devolution. We can do more, and we intend to. Breaking the cycle of deprivation—