Child poverty is not limited to specific regions or cities, according to an expert’s warning. Recent data reveals that one in five children in every county in Wales is living in poverty, with even higher rates observed in Blaenau Gwent and Ceredigion.
Dr. Steffan Evans, head of policy at the Bevan Foundation, emphasizes that child poverty is a widespread issue affecting all communities and requires immediate action. The Welsh government states that it has invested over £3.3 billion in assistance programs between 2022 and 2024.
On average, 27.9% of Welsh children were living in poverty in 2021-22, marking a slight decrease from the 29.1% recorded in 2014-15. The research, conducted by the Bevan Foundation and the Wales Child Poverty Eradication Network, reveals the highest poverty rates in Blaenau Gwent (30.3%) and Ceredigion (30%), while poverty rates were lowest in Monmouthshire at 21.4%.
Dr. Evans expresses dismay at the lack of progress in addressing child poverty over the past year and decade, describing the report as “heart-breaking.” The fact that two distinct areas are disproportionately affected serves as an important reminder that child poverty is prevalent across all communities and demands immediate attention.
The report also highlights that children from larger families are significantly more likely to experience poverty. Child poverty is defined as living in a household with an income below 60% of the national median wage, which amounts to £18,700 in Wales.
Dr. Evans calls on both the UK and Welsh governments to prioritize child poverty as a national issue and urges individuals to determine the support they are eligible for.
Kathryn Wakeman, who runs a charity providing free recycled school uniforms to families in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, expresses the non-surprising nature of the figures. She emphasizes the significant financial burden of school uniforms and the difference it makes to families struggling with high living costs.
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The Welsh government asserts its commitment to supporting people and families during the current cost-of-living crisis by targeting assistance toward those in need and implementing programs that alleviate financial burdens. The UK government states its dedication to assisting the most vulnerable, highlighting a £94 billion immediate cost-of-living support package, as well as measures to improve childcare provisions to facilitate employment opportunities.
However, critics argue that the two-child policy places families on benefits in similar financial situations as those solely dependent on work, with exemptions and safeguards in place to protect the most vulnerable individuals.