We must listen to and act with urgency upon the evidence and suggestions being proposed for ways that we in Wales can do more to address this crisis. An emergency summit, as I said, would be a first step that could help inform an emergency cost-of-living action plan. We need initiatives to support renters, for example, who have been amongst the hardest hit by the cost-of-living crisis. The Welsh Government has put a cap on social rent for the coming year, equal to the level of inflation for September, which is 3.1 per cent. This is a welcome move as compared with the above-inflation hikes permitted this year for England. But will the Government commit to making this a permanent policy, and not slip back to the above-inflation rises that it normally permits? Will they also consider the calls of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and others to institute a model of living rent, given that we know rent and rental arrears are one of the biggest costs facing households? 

The tenancy hardship grant could be extended, so that more social housing tenants not eligible for universal credit or housing benefit could be helped permanently. The building and retrofitting of social housing could be further accelerated. Other suggestions that could be explored include more investment in the discretionary assistance fund, which could be extended and made more flexible permanently. The education maintenance allowance could be increased and extended. The idea of debt bonfires, recommended by the Equality and Social Justice Committee's report, could be progressed at pace.

How many more ideas could an emergency summit produce? How much urgency and strategic co-ordinated action could an emergency plan ensure, giving us clear priorities and joined-up effective implementation? It's those who are already suffering socioeconomic disadvantage in our society that are bearing the brunt of this crisis: renters, those on low incomes or in insecure work, disabled people, children, lone parents, older people, care leavers and black, Asian and minority ethnic households. These groups already face greater costs than most, so any increases in the cost of living only exacerbate the inequality and its economic, social and health impacts.