Cost of Living Crisis: Wales — Caroline Nokes in the Chair

The cost of living crisis is impacting every corner of the UK, but Wales in particular faces severe challenges. Research shows that 22% of Welsh households are in severe financial difficulty and 31.3% of children in Pontypridd and Taff Ely were below the poverty line in 2020-21. Food banks across Wales are running out of food, yet donations are drying up as people struggle to make ends meet. Suggested that the Prime Minister should be present at Cobra meetings addressing the climate emergency.

She expressed the scale of worry and concern from constituents in Cardiff North regarding the cost of living crisis, suggesting it is due to the inaction and complacency of the Government.

Mr. Ben Lake highlighted the severe impact of rising energy costs in Wales, particularly stressing the situation for off-grid communities and rural areas. He noted that 72% of properties in his constituency are not connected to the mains gas grid, relying instead on expensive oil heating which has seen a 150% price increase over the past year. Mr. Lake also pointed out that standing charges in Wales have increased by 94-102%, disproportionately affecting rural areas like Ceredigion where many homes perform poorly in energy efficiency ratings. He cited numerous examples of constituents taking extreme measures to manage their bills and highlighted the impact on local businesses and public services.

I conducted a survey revealing that over 650 people in Cynon Valley reported cutting down on heating and feeling worse off than the previous year. The cost of living crisis is impacting mental health, with 81% experiencing negative effects, and over half borrowing money to pay bills. In-work poverty is highlighted as a major issue due to austerity measures and wage freezes since 2010. Winter advocates for an increase in social security benefits, reinstitution of the £20 uplift to universal credit, banning dividend payments from essential services, and introducing windfall taxes.

In response to Ruth Jones, Caroline Lucas highlighted that despite the rising energy bills, the government has not taken adequate measures. She stressed the importance of free prescriptions and lower council tax in Wales compared to England.

She agreed with her hon. Friend's point about prescriptions and mentioned that women in England would not face pressure between feeding their children and paying for hormone replacement therapy if the UK Government had delivered on its pledge last year. I intervened to raise awareness about the food and hamper scheme I run in my constituency, which provides support at Christmas, Easter, and during summer. This year, more contributors have become dependants, indicating a growing demand that could outstrip supply. Raised an issue regarding the English prescription charge, highlighting that men in England can obtain Viagra on prescription.

I support the debate on the cost of living crisis in Wales, highlighting that many families are struggling to make ends meet with each week and month down to just a pound or two. I advocate for a cap on heating oil prices and express concern over the lack of alternatives for those off-grid. The price hike on petrol and diesel is also affecting budgets severely. Digital poverty is another issue that needs attention, with social tariffs having low uptake despite their potential to help families balance their budgets.

Ms. Griffith discussed the growing inequality in Wales, criticising the Government's tax policies and their failure to redistribute wealth effectively. She highlighted issues with universal credit transitions, public sector pay stagnation, energy policy, and rural heating fuel costs.