Direct child payment best way to tackle child poverty, experts say

A direct child payment is the most powerful and effective intervention to reduce poverty a leading report has found

A recent report by Policy in Practice has identified that the most powerful and effective intervention designed to reduce poverty is a direct child payment.

Sioned Williams MS has called for the Welsh Government to implement a Child Payment immediately to “reach nearly one-third of households that are in poverty”, and “reduce child poverty by nearly a quarter”.

The policy takes inspiration from the Scottish Child Payment, which has aided Scotland in becoming the only nation where child poverty is projected to fall.

By 2029, child poverty is set to rise to 34.4% in Wales, which would be the highest rate of all UK nations.

Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru's spokesperson for social justice and equalities, said:

“The need to address poverty has never been more urgent.

“Over the past 30 years, children have consistently faced the highest poverty rates in Wales.

“A direct child payment, learning from Scotland, where a similar policy is already lifting tens of thousands of children out of poverty, would be transformative. 

“We must forge a different path in Wales if we are to fulfil that duty to safeguard and cultivate the future of our nation.

“Wales deserves better. Our children deserve better.”