Inquiry · Opened 16 March 2026

Working towards ending child poverty in Wales

From: Welsh Affairs Committee

Open2 documents0 evidence sessions

What this inquiry is asking

The Welsh Affairs Committee is investigating what steps Wales is taking to reduce child poverty and whether current policies and spending are sufficient to meet the challenge. The inquiry examines both Welsh Government initiatives and UK-level factors affecting Welsh families, seeking to understand progress and identify gaps in the approach.

Status / emerging findings

  • Inquiry opened 16 March 2026; currently in evidence-gathering phase with correspondence sought from key Welsh Government and UK Government figures
  • Early engagement with Jane Hutt MS (Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice) and Pat McFadden MP (UK Government) indicates focus on inter-governmental coordination
  • No oral evidence sessions yet held; inquiry structure suggests staged approach beginning with written submissions

Why it matters

Wales has consistently higher child poverty rates than England; this inquiry will shape whether Westminster and Cardiff prioritise new resources and policy shifts to protect vulnerable families.

Themes

child-povertydevolved-policywelfare-spendingwales-inequality

Key witnesses

Jane Hutt MS, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip, Welsh Government, Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP, UK Government

Written evidence & correspondence

Themes & actors

Source · parliament.uk inquiry record ↗

Working towards ending child poverty in Wales | Beyond The Vote | Beyond The Vote