The Impact of the Rising Cost of Living

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:23 pm on 14 June 2022.

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Photo of Huw Irranca-Davies Huw Irranca-Davies Labour 2:23, 14 June 2022

I think the First Minister's response describes well the tsunami now that is affecting people right across Wales, from Ogmore north, south, east and west, and it really is happening, and it's not hidden away—we're actually seeing it now evidently every single day. But there are things we can do. Much of the measures, the well-targeted measures of Welsh Government, have been mentioned this afternoon, but also at a local level. Local authorities are playing a key role here, targeting the discretionary housing payments; the fuel payments administration; the business rates relief; co-ordinating the Big Bocs Bwyd scheme within Ogmore, which is going to be rolled out; support for community pantries; the freezing of council tax this year in Bridgend; and, as of last week, having paid out in Bridgend over 29,000 cost-of-living payments to those who pay direct debits in bands A, B, C and D, and they're moving on to others rapidly as well. 

First Minister, can I ask you? This Saturday, in the face of this crisis, thousands of people are going to be descending on London as part of the Trades Union Congress campaign to force the Government to do more on sick pay, on wages, to raise universal credit, to tax energy profits to help people pay their bills, and banning the appalling practice of fire and rehire, and more. What message do you have for all those travelling from Wales to London this Saturday, who are demanding better from the UK Government for working people facing this Conservative cost-of-living crisis?