Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:39 pm on 22 November 2022.
Thank you. Well, we recognise that increasing energy costs, the cost-of-living crisis, are obviously putting increased pressure on our schools, on our local authorities, and other public services, as well as on so many of our constituents. The Welsh Government is committed to using every lever it can to help people across Wales with the cost-of-living crisis. You'll be aware our pupil development grant is the most generous across the United Kingdom. Year on year, we've extended the PDG, with funding for this year now at over £130 million. In recognition of the pressures facing families, earlier this year, the Minister for Education and the Welsh Language announced an additional one-off payment of £100 to every child or young person eligible for PDG access. And, again, that takes funding for that scheme up to over £23 million for this financial year. The Minister intends to update our statutory school uniform guidance and launch a consultation on proposed changes—sorry, that consultation is currently out.