Welsh Government pressure on Chancellor to tackle poverty

South Wales Argus

29-05-2025

First Minister Eluned Morgan MS, Jane Hutt MS, and Mark Drakeford MS, are pushing for changes to social security policy, particularly advocating for the end of the two-child benefit rule.
The calls come as the UK Spending Review nears its conclusion, with the Ministerial Group's work becoming increasingly crucial.
The government warns that, without action, child poverty is set to rise by 100,000 children annually throughout the UK parliamentary term.
The Welsh Government is also working with the Patriotic Millionaires, a group proposing alternative ways to raise significant funds to combat poverty without increasing taxes on working families.
Successive Welsh Governments have implemented various measures to alleviate poverty, which they claim leave more money in the pockets of Welsh citizens.
These measures include an inclusive childcare scheme for three and four-year-olds, help with school-related costs, expanding the Flying Start programme for children in disadvantaged areas, and a student support scheme.
The Welsh Government says it has used its devolved powers to oversee the rollout of free school meals for all primary school children, increases to the Education Maintenance Allowance, and the Claim What's Yours initiative in a bid to tackle child poverty.
The Welsh Benefits Charter, which has been adopted by 22 local authorities to increase the uptake of Welsh benefits, is another tool the government is using in the fight against child poverty.
The Welsh Government continues to utilise its devolved powers to address child poverty and is calling on the Chancellor to consider various revenue-raising options to ensure funds are directed towards improving children's lives.
The government remains committed to supporting children and families, especially those in disadvantaged areas, as the UK Spending Review draws to a close.