In the Senedd, February 2024

The Foundation’s work on Access to Justice, Education and the Welsh Benefit System informed the Senedd and UK Parliament. 

Welsh Benefit System  

In a statement made in Plenary on February 20^th by the Minister of Social Justice and Chief Whip, Jane Hutt MS gave thanks to Director, Dr Victoria Winckler, for the work of the Bevan Foundation on an integrated Welsh Benefit System. Later in the session, Jane Hutt MS announced discussions with the Bevan Foundation on progressing the phase 1 work around free school meals, the schools essentials grant and the council tax reduction scheme.  

Mark Isherwood MS reiterated the Bevan Foundation aims to ensure that the Welsh Government delivers on its commitment to establishing a Welsh Benefit System. John Griffiths MS also recognised the Bevan Foundation’s engagement with the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee and seeing the Welsh Benefit System progressing through Welsh Government.  

Education  

The Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles MS, recalled in a Plenary Session on February 21^st a speech given to the Bevan Foundation which set out a plan to tackle the impact of poverty on attainment in Wales. Jeremy Miles MS also referred to the speech to the Bevan Foundation in the Children, Young People and Education Committee on February 28^th in highlighting the approaches to attracting new teachers into education.  

In the St Davids Day Debate on February 29^th, the Bevan Foundation informed the Commons Chamber in the UK Parliament. Robin Millar MP referred to the Poverty in Arfon report to highlight the employment opportunities in North Wales. 

In the same debate, Carolyn Harris MP drew on the Bevan Foundation’s State of Wales Briefing to show the effect of the cost of living on pensioner poverty in Wales.  

Access to justice 

The Bevan Foundation’s most recent Access to Justice report on supporting people with no recourse to public funds in Wales informed a Senedd Plenary session on February 28^th. Heledd Fychan MS raised the finding that no local authorities in Wales have a local no recourse to public funds pathway as recommended by Welsh Government Guidance. 

In response, Minister for Finance and Local Government, Rebecca Evans MS, acknowledged the report and noted that the Welsh Government are taking action against some of the recommendations made in the report.