Poverty Rolling back on childcare commitments?
ViewsOctober 7th, 2024
This Bevan Foundation briefing calls for Welsh benefits to be uprated annually in line with inflation
The Welsh Government is responsible for a number of means-tested grants and allowances which complement the UK social security system. The grants and allowances include the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, Free School Meals, School Essentials Grant and Education Maintenance Allowance. The Bevan Foundation has termed these grants and allowances collectively as ‘Welsh benefits’.
Welsh benefits provide a lifeline to low-income families and are one of the main tools at the Welsh Government’s disposal to reduce poverty and ensure households have enough resources for everyday essentials. This briefing calls for devolved grants and allowances, including their eligibility criteria, to be put on a stronger footing by being uprated annually in line with CPI inflation.
The briefing sets out three key reasons why uplifting both the value and eligibility criteria of Welsh benefits should be a priority:
- to reduce poverty and inequality
- to help to make work pay; and
- to achieve wider policy goals.
Pages: 10
Format: PDF
Language: English
Cost: Free
