Bevan Foundation shares research with Cross Party Group on Children and Young People

The Bevan Foundation was pleased to join the Cross Party Group on Children and Young People to share its latest research

With Covid-19 having had an impact on everyone in society the Cross Party Group on Children and Young People held a timely discussion on the impact of the pandemic on children. The Bevan Foundation was delighted to be asked to share its latest research with the group about the impact of the pandemic on child poverty.

Speaking on behalf of the Bevan Foundation, Steffan Evans drew on two pieces of work that the Foundation has recently undertaken to outline the scale of the challenge we face and some potential solutions. He highlighted how the pandemic has exacerbated existing drivers of poverty including unfair work, an inadequate social security system and high living costs. He explained how many of the temporary measures taken by the UK and Welsh Governments have assisted thousands of Welsh children but outlined that there is further action that must be taken this winter.

In the longer term Steffan drew on the Bevan Foundation’s work on Welsh support schemes to outline why the Foundation is calling on the Welsh Government to establish a Welsh Benefits System. He argued that too many children who are trapped in poverty are missing out on support under the current system. He outlined how establishing a Welsh Benefits System could lead to a more generous and fairer system of support for children who are trapped in poverty and provide families with a vital lifeline.

Thank you to Children in Wales for inviting us to contribute to the session.