Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises in the context of a new child poverty strategy and the ongoing Welsh Affairs Committee inquiry into child poverty in Wales, which stands at 31%. The Welsh Government has a new minority government and many levers for child poverty reduction are split between UK and Welsh Governments.
What steps is the government taking with Cabinet colleagues to help reduce child poverty in Wales, given the Welsh Affairs Committee's inquiry into child poverty, which is stubbornly high at 31%? What conversations have they had with Senedd Ministers regarding ending child poverty in Wales?
Tackling child poverty is an essential investment in the future of our children and our country. The government has announced the child poverty strategy, including the removal of the two-child limit, which will benefit nearly 70,000 children in Wales. 320,000 families in Wales will see the first ever sustained real-terms increase in the universal credit standard allowance. The UK Government worked closely with the previous Welsh Labour Government on the design of the child poverty strategy, which will lift 550,000 children out of poverty across the UK by 2030, delivering the largest expected reduction in child poverty since records began.
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Assessment & feedback
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Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Welsh Affairs Committee has launched an inquiry into child poverty in Wales, which stands stubbornly high at 31%. With a new minority Government elected in Cardiff Bay and many of the levers relating to child poverty split between the UK and Welsh Governments, the MP seeks clarity on conversations had.
With a new minority Government elected in Cardiff Bay and many levers for child poverty reduction split between the UK and Welsh Governments, what conversations has the Secretary of State had with Senedd Ministers regarding ending child poverty in Wales?
I agree with my hon. Friend that co-operation between the UK and Welsh Governments is essential for addressing child poverty in Wales. The UK Government worked closely with the previous Welsh Labour Government on the design of the child poverty strategy, which will lift 550,000 children out of poverty across the UK by 2030, delivering the largest expected reduction in child poverty since records began.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific conversations had with the new Senedd Ministers were not addressed
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State acknowledges the reduction of child poverty but the MP highlights the Labour party's work in reducing child poverty not just in Wales but also in Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland. The MP seeks recognition of Labour's contribution in reducing child poverty.
The Secretary of State is right to recognise the reduction of child poverty in Wales, but of course the Government here took the decision to reduce child poverty not just in Wales but in Scotland, England and Northern Ireland as well. Does he agree that when it comes to recognising the good work the Government have done in reducing child poverty, the whole House should come together and say thank you to the Labour party for doing that, taking 60,000 families out of poverty in Northern Ireland?
I absolutely agree with the sentiment of the hon. Member's question. Let us look at what the Welsh Labour Government delivered: breakfast clubs offering free, healthy breakfasts for children in primary schools; baby bundles; more than 50 million meals served since the introduction of universal primary free school meals; an expanded childcare offer; free prescriptions; and hospital parking to help with family finances. That is the difference a Labour Government make.
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Assessment & feedback
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Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
In the past 100 days, the Plaid Welsh Government in Cardiff Bay has failed to publish costings and properly explain how their flagship childcare policy will work. The MP questions whether the plans will mean higher taxes and seeks information on discussions with the Welsh Government to ensure election commitments are delivered.
Does the Secretary of State agree that hard-working families deserve to know whether the Plaid Welsh Government's plans will mean higher taxes? What discussions have occurred with the Welsh Government to ensure that those election commitments are properly delivered for struggling families?
Frankly, I am staggered that the hon. Lady raises the issue of welfare, given the explosion of the welfare bill under the watch of the Conservative party. When it comes to working with the Plaid Cymru Government, I agree that there seem to be a lot of reviews, commissions, reports and committees. It is important that the Plaid Government now roll up their sleeves and get on with the job. We look forward to working constructively in partnership with them and delivering for the people and communities of Wales.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific issue of discussions on costings and implementation of the childcare policy was not addressed
Redirected To Criticism Of The Conservative Party
Highlighted The Need For The Plaid Government To 'Roll Up Their Sleeves And Get On With The Job'
Response accuracy