BASW Cymru cautiously welcomes new child poverty strategy for Wales

The Welsh Government has published a new strategy to tackle child poverty in Wales.

BASW Cymru has given a “cautious” welcome to the move, calling on the Welsh Government to commit to clear targets and accountability measures.

28% of children in Wales are considered to be living in poverty, with many households living on an income of less than £300 a week, after housing costs.  

The Welsh Government announced a previous target to tackle child poverty back in 2016 but was dropped in 2020.

Speaking about the new Child Poverty Strategy for Wales 2024, BASW Cymru National Director, Professor Samantha Baron, said:

“Child poverty has lifelong implications for children, adults, communities and the provision of public services. We need to fundamentally address the factors which contribute to child and family poverty and see real changes quickly. 

“Whilst we welcome any plan to tackle child poverty, we need much more than well-meaning words and aspirations, which is why our welcome is, indeed, cautious.  

“What children and families need throughout Wales is firm commitments and targets from the Welsh government to ensure their chances of a healthy and successful lives start now.”

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The Child Poverty Strategy for Wales 2024 can be found here.

Children in Wales, a collective group of children's rights organisations, have released a joint statement responding to the new strategy which can be read here.