1. What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on young people? OQ59151

Analysis shows that families with children are more likely to be impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, particularly children from a household that has protected characteristics. We are supporting young people and their families through initiatives, including our childcare offer, help with school costs, free school meals, and our young person’s guarantee.

Thank you, Minister, for that answer. I've heard of instances of high-school children who've been turned away at the canteen till because their hard-working parents haven't been able to clear the dinner money debts that they've incurred. Would you agree with me that schools should act with the utmost compassion during these times of financial hardship, and not put young people through such humiliating ordeals? And can you outline what support the Welsh Government is giving to young people to avoid school-time hunger?

Yes, I would absolutely agree with you. We know that no child should go hungry, and local authorities and schools should work in partnership with families who are experiencing difficulties with payment of school meals to try and find a solution to ensure that no child goes without a meal at lunch time. There should be a system in place where parents are reminded in a timely fashion if the balance on their child's account is low, for instance, so that parents can obviously take the action needed. In the case of non-payment, every effort should be made to contact the parent to find a solution, and that might include setting up a payment plan. The Minister has reminded local authorities of their powers to use discretion to be able to provide meals without charging, or to implement variable pricing structures. And we've also reminded them of our expectation that no child should be denied an offer of a meal if they turn up to school hungry, because, of course, we know, don't we, that children concentrate far better when they're not hungry.

As a Government, we're rolling out universal primary free school meals as quickly as we possibly can, maintaining our commitment to primary breakfasts, and have extended our year 7 breakfast pilot until the end of the current academic year. And in partnership with Plaid Cymru, as part of the co-operation agreement, we've also committed £11 million to extend holiday food provision for pupils traditionally eligible for a free school meal until the end of the February half term. And that will ensure that children from lower income families do not go hungry during the school holidays.

Good afternoon, Minister, and happy Valentine's Day. [Laughter.] I had to get that one in.

Young people are amongst the most likely groups impacted by the cost-of-living pressures, and I'm glad that the Welsh Government seems to be resisting Plaid Cymru's idea that you can tax your way out of a crisis, when it's young people who will face the highest burdens by their proposed tax increase. Therefore, will the Welsh Government confirm today—'yes' or 'no'—that you won't increase income tax? And will you consider giving young people free bus and rail travel in Wales so that people can get around freely without having to worry about their purse or wallet, and offer discounts for gym memberships, so that we're providing warm spaces in an environment where young people can keep fit and well? Thank you.

I'm really not sure where you think we will get the money from for that very extensive wish list. But just on your specific point around free transport for under-25s, as you'll be aware, it is a programme for government commitment, and the Deputy Minister for Climate Change is currently exploring that, but, given our very poor settlement from the UK Government, it's going to be very difficult to do.

Good afternoon, Minister. Child poverty runs so deep in Wales and has a lasting effect on everybody, going into their adulthood. I know that there are lots of measures in place here in the Welsh Government to address that, and of course more can be done. I'm also joining the calls for free public transport for under-25s. I also think that there needs to be debate about where that money comes from, and that we do need to think about whether that is about the Welsh Government using its taxation powers. So, I would just like to echo those calls for free public transport for under-25s. It is a win-win—for our economy, for our environment, and, particularly for us in rural areas, we want to see increased public transport, particularly in our bus services. So, I would ask you just what steps are being made by the Welsh Government in order to look at that issue and to grow our economy and ensure that our young people can move around. Diolch.

Thank you. Well, as I said in my earlier answer to Gareth Davies, fair fares is one of our programme for government commitments, so the Deputy Minister for Climate Change is exploring that. You outlined the benefits of having free public transport for our under-25s very eloquently. Certainly, I know my own daughters, when they were under 25, really thought it was something that could be done. We know young people want to go off independently and sometimes that's not possible, particularly in rural areas. So, it is something that's being explored, as you say. We have the budget, we have to decide how to slice that budget up, but it is something that I know the Deputy Minister is absolutely committed to doing.