8. Finance Committee Debate: The Welsh Government's spending priorities for 2023-24

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:41 pm on 13 July 2022.

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Photo of Heledd Fychan Heledd Fychan Plaid Cymru 4:41, 13 July 2022

(Translated)

Thank you for the opportunity to participate. One of the things that I thought was very interesting—and this has already been referred to—was the view of young people and the Welsh Youth Parliament. I think this is endorsed by the things that have been shared with me as a Member for South Wales Central in terms of the cost of public transport. Ruben Kelman has written to many of us, being very proactive as a Member of the Youth Parliament, but has shared the fact that the cost of public transport, for those who don't qualify for free travel to school, does mean that this has an impact on attendance.

Jayne mentioned this in terms of all the things we need to support young people, and I think it is very important that we do see, in terms of all of the comments that were made, that the increasing cost of public transport is something that we do need to be conscious of. With the cost-of-living crisis, the fact that we are now receiving evidence that young people can't go to school because of the cost of public transport is something that I would ask the Government to look at as a matter of urgency, because I do think that if they're not in school, they're not going to benefit from the wealth of experiences they'd get there, and this is a fundamental right for our young people. 

Also, there was reference in terms of the summer programmes for young people, which are so important. Very often, the barrier for those from families facing the cost-of-living crisis is the cost of public transport to access these events. So, clearly, we're pleased to see that the Government is making that investment in these summer programmes, such as the Summer of Fun and so on, but if the most vulnerable people can't attend them and get there, then how can everyone take advantage of them? So, as you look at next year's budget, could we look at something to support public transport specifically in terms of children and young people, so that they can benefit from all of the things that we are investing in? I think that would be of great assistance. Thank you.