Shaping UK and Welsh Parliamentary debate in March 2023 

In March, the Bevan Foundation’s work shaped political debates within Wales and the wider UK, with our reports and work being cited across party lines. 

Housing  

The Bevan Foundation’s work on Local Housing Allowance continued to feature prominently in Senedd debate.

The month kicked off with the Minister for Climate Change Julie James MS responding to questions on 4^th March about the Bevan Foundation’s latest report on the shortage of private rental properties available that are covered by Local Housing Allowance rates.  This was swiftly followed by Rhys ab Owen MS who referenced our recent update in plenary on 7^th March. In response Lesley Griffiths MS stated that the Minister for Climate Change was taking the findings of the report into account. The following day, on 8^th March, Ruth Power from Shelter Cymru cited the same report when giving evidence to the Local Government and Housing Committee.  

At a UK Level, the Bevan Foundation’s report was also cited in the House of Lords by Lord Shipley of the Liberal Democrats as part of a speech highlighting the shortfall across the UK. 

Cost of Living and Poverty 

In March, a Senedd research briefing entitled ‘Scrutinising the Welsh Government’s response to cost of living pressures’ was published. The briefing featured the Bevan Foundation’s director Dr. Victoria Winckler, discussing how rural communities have been acutely impacted by pressures from the rising costs of living.  

The Foundation’s latest Snapshot of Poverty in Winter 2023 also featured prominently in the Senedd. Mark Isherwood MS cited the report in plenary on 1^st March, to highlight how properties’ energy efficiency levels vary greatly across Wales. In the same session, during questions to the Minister of Social Justice, Peredur Owen Griffiths MS cited the report’s findings on the significant issue of debt across Wales. He also noted the Foundation’s findings that more than one in ten people in Wales were worried about losing their home over the next three months. 

The Foundation’s work on integrating means tested benefits available in Wales into a Welsh Benefits system was mentioned by the First Minister Mark Drakeford MS during the Committee for the Scrutiny of the First Minister on 24^th March.  

Discretionary Assistance Fund 

Bevan Foundation work on Discretionary Assistance Funds in Wales has led debates over March. In the Equality and Social Justice Committee on 27^th February Jane Hutt MS referenced the Bevan Foundation during discussions about the need for increasing DAF as an ‘absolute lifeline’. During Questions to the Minister for Finance and Local Government on 22^nd March, Vikki Howells MS mentioned the Bevan Foundation welcoming that the cash value of DAF payments was due to rise in line with inflation.