Child Poverty

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:37 pm on 30 November 2021.

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Photo of Sioned Williams Sioned Williams Plaid Cymru 1:37, 30 November 2021

(Translated)

Thank you, First Minister. I'd like to congratulate Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Government for drawing up an innovative and comprehensive co-operation agreement, which will make a positive difference to the lives of the people of Wales, in terms of tackling child poverty particularly. Since being elected, I and others in Plaid Cymru have questioned the First Minister on expanding free school meals many times in this place. And anti-poverty groups, such as the Bevan Foundation, have been campaigning hard for this. The co-operation agreement notes that this is a further step towards our shared aim that no child should go hungry in Wales, and that is to be welcomed. Now, given this ambition, as well as the fact that almost 10,000 secondary school children living in poverty are being deprived of free school meals, does the First Minister agree with me that we should also aim towards introducing free school meals for all secondary school pupils, when resources allow? In addition, unless there is an increase in the educational maintenance allowance, which provides crucial support for young adults in education from low-income households, then, by the end of the period of three years, it will have been frozen for 20 years in real terms. Will the First Minister therefore outline the Government's plans to increase this? Thank you.