Bethan Jenkins AC/AM South Wales West

Plaid Cymru spokesperson on Child Poverty, Bethan Jenkins AM, has today called for urgent action following the release of statistic showing that up 59% of families in Wales live at or below the poverty line.

Figures obtained from the Campaign to End Child Poverty show that the Cardiff South & Penarth constituency has the worst levels of families living in poverty. An incredible 59% of families in the constituency live at or below the poverty line.

Ms Jenkins, who has tabled a Statement of Opinion at the Assembly supporting the ‘Keep the Promise’ campaign, calling on the UK Government to meet its child poverty commitments, today spoke of the need for urgent action.

Ms Jenkins said:

“This report is shocking but sadly familiar. Endemic poverty has characterised many parts of Wales for too long. It is absolutely inexcusable that any child should live in poverty but to hear that 59% of families in one constituency should have their life chances compromised from birth is tragic.”

The Campaign to End Child Poverty is organising a rally in Trafalgar Square this Saturday to mount further pressure on the Prime Minister to commit the resources required to end child poverty.

Ms Jenkins added:

“Today’s figures are a huge blow to the efforts being made to eradicate child poverty in Wales. The most vulnerable in our society are paying the price for the UK Government’s missed opportunities in several Budgets. There is a moral obligation on Whitehall to come up with the necessary resources to reverse this damaging trend.

“Labour refuses to take from the energy companies’ billions of pounds in profits to help the millions of people hurting from rising gas and electricity bills. And they have doubled taxes on those on modest incomes by scrapping the 10p tax.”

According to Ms Jenkins the current economic climate makes action even more imperative:

“Labour and the Conservatives have rewarded recklessness in the city of London, rather than help people who are struggling to cope. This failed London consensus promoted a vast increase in credit, and an absurd house price boom. Causing a credit crunch and economic hardship for many. They have put tomorrow’s quick buck for a few ahead of fairness for all, and as usual, the poorest are feeling the brunt of this irresponsibility.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Percentage of families living at or below the poverty line:

1. Aberavon: 55%

2. Alyn & Deeside: 38%

3. Blaenau Gwent: 56%

4. Brecon & Radnor: 40%

5. Bridgend: 40%

6. Caernarfon: 44%

7. Caerphilly: 49%

8. Cardiff Central: 47%

9. Cardiff North: 30%

10. Cardiff South & Penarth: 59%

11. Cardiff West: 53%

12. Carmarthen East & Dinefwr: 45%

13. Carmarthen West & South Pembs: 47%

14. Ceredigion: 47%

15. Clwyd South: 43%

16. Clwyd West: 44%

17. Conwy: 47%

18. Cynon Valley: 54%

19. Delyn: 39%

20. Gower: 36%

21. Islwyn: 47%

22. Llanelli: 51%

23. Meirionnydd Nant Conwy: 45%

24. Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney: 58%

25. Monmouth: 32%

26. Montgomery: 42%

27. Neath: 46%

28. Newport East: 48%

29. Newport West: 45%

30. Ogmore: 49%

31. Pontypridd: 40%

32. Preseli Pembs: 49%

33. Rhondda: 57%

34. Swansea East: 58%

35. Swansea West: 48%

36. Torfaen: 50%

37. Vale of Clwyd: 52%

38. Vale of Glamorgan: 42%

39. Wrexham: 42%

40. Ynys Mon: 47%

Note: the figures are based on the combined percentages of families on out of work benefits and families on working tax credit.

For Further information please contact Steffan Lewis on 029 20 898 713