As Wales prepares for the next Senedd elections, Children in Wales, Barnardo's Cymru, and Early Years Wales joined forces to host a fringe event at Plaid Cymru conference, focused on one of the most pressing challenges facing our nation: 'How can the next Welsh Government turn the tide on child poverty?'.
The fringe brought together expert panellists to discuss how the next Welsh Government can take decisive action to turn the tide on child poverty. Attendees were able to gain an insight into the current state of child poverty across Wales and hear a range of informed perspectives on the immediate and long-term interventions needed to support children.
The event took place in the backdrop of the current stark reality we face in Wales: child poverty remains stubbornly high. The latest figures reveal that 31% of children aged 0 to 16 live in relative income poverty. Even more alarmingly, this rises to 45% for children aged 0 to 4, placing Wales' youngest and most vulnerable citizens at greatest risk during the most critical years of their development.
Panellists were able to share their priorities and key messages for the incoming Ministers, urging that tackling child poverty must be a top agenda item following the elections. A final thanks must go to Catherine Sherrington from Save the Children, who stepped in at the last minute to sit on the panel due to illness.