Positive progress in the Senedd in May 2023

The Bevan Foundation’s work on poverty continues to influence the Senedd

Poverty  

On 17th May, in a plenary session, Mark Isherwood MS, referred to the Bevan Foundation’s report on a Welsh Benefits System, and asked for a response to our findings and any further action to be taken by the Welsh Government in the common approach to a Welsh benefits system.   

In response, Minister of Social Justice and Chief Whip, Jane Hutt MS, agreed that they are working in collaboration with the Foundation to introduce a charter on how this would be delivered and how existing benefits in Wales are currently being delivered. Our findings from working with Policy and Practice were also mentioned in addressing a question on the child poverty strategy.  

Later in session, and in an update on the discretionary assistance fund, Jane Hutt MS, having ‘mentioned the Bevan Foundation more than once this afternoon’, continued to thank us: 

“…for their guidance and engagement that we’ve had in ensuring, in this financial year, that we can deliver a more streamlined and fairer and equitable discretionary assistance fund”.  

In plenary on the 23rd May, the Bevan Foundation was identified as part of the independent expert group by Jane Hutt MS, where recommendations on how best to support people in the cost-of-living crisis will be put forward in June.  

Jane Hutt MS, also reassured that the voices of those with lived experience of financial hardship in Wales are heard, and mentions the evidence given through the Bevan Foundation and other organisations as a key factor.