5. Statement by the Minister for Social Justice: Cost of Living

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:54 pm on 10 January 2023.

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Photo of Jane Hutt Jane Hutt Labour 4:54, 10 January 2023

Diolch yn fawr, Sioned Williams, and thank you very much particularly for drawing attention to those who are particularly affected by the cost-of-living crisis. I made it clear in my opening remarks, in terms of the statement, the recent evidence, that, particularly, I was focusing on the income gap between disabled and non-disabled people in the UK and what impact that has, particularly in terms of energy costs—we've seen that—but also recognising issues relating to children of single-parent families and families with three or more children. I think your questions about the impact on women relate to women as carers as well—predominantly as carers. But I think that your question about childcare is important, because this is something where it is important that we are taking forward, through the co-operation agreement, the expansion of the childcare offer and Flying Start, which are going to be safe places for children and crucial in terms of tackling the cost-of-iving crisis.