Poverty is a problem all over Wales. The Bevan Foundation have been commissioned by Hywel Williams MP to explore poverty in Arfon and to develop solutions.
Poverty is a problem in all communities across Wales. One in five people (21 per cent) lived in poverty in Wales between 2019-20 and 2021-22. Despite this, there is very little data available about poverty below national level, which means that the impact of local factors on poverty can sometimes be overlooked.
This report finds that there are two local factors that are a cause of poverty in Arfon.
First, despite employment rates in Arfon being comparable to the rest of Wales and GB, low pay and insecure work are significant problems in the area. This is despite the fact that median pay for jobs based in Arfon are comparatively high.
Second, people who live in Arfon face a cost of living premium. The Arfon cost of living premium means that households face high housing, energy and travel costs, which places pressure on low income families.
The report outlines steps that could be taken to reduce the impact of poverty in Arfon. Whilst powers over the social security system and the labour market are retained at Westminster, the report outlines measures that can be taken locally to reduce the number of people living in poverty.
Pages: 48
Format: PDF
Language: English (ar gael yn Gymraeg wrth dewis yr opsiwn ar dop y dudalen).
Cost: Free