Assembly committee backs new law in bid to meet child poverty targets

The National Assembly for Wales’ Legislation Committee No.2 has backed the Welsh Government’s proposed Children and Families(Wales) Measure.

After a three-month inquiry, committee members felt that the proposed measure was needed in order to drive forward the Welsh Government’s commitment to eradicating child poverty.

The measure will provide greater support to families where children may be at risk, and strengthen regulatory enforcement in children settings.

Under the proposals, ‘Welsh authorities’, including local authorities and Welsh Ministers will be required to prepare and publish  strategies to tackle child poverty. Welsh Ministers will have to report every three years on their progress.

“In order to ensure that progress on the eradication of child poverty in Wales is always at the fore and that it is regularly monitored to allow any problems to be identified at the earliest stage,” said committee chair, Val Lloyd AM, “we recommend that the Welsh Ministers produce an interim report on an annual basis, to be considered by the appropriate Assembly Committee.

“We also believe that the measure should place a duty on Welsh Ministers and Welsh authorities to consult with appropriate voluntary sector organisations in preparation of their strategies.”

The proposed Measure also makes provision for child minding and day care, opportunities for play and participation by children in local authority decision making and the setting up of new integrated family support teams.

The proposed Measure will be debated by the Assembly on 30 June. If the Assembly agrees the general principles, it will proceed to stage 2 consideration by a committee.

Legislation Committee No.2 - Proposed Children and Families (Wales) Measure