Inquiry5

The Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee agreed to undertake three inquiries which look at poverty in Wales.

The third strand of this work was to explore how the Welsh Government’s approach to economic development was designed to reduce poverty and boost prosperity.

The terms of reference for the inquiry were to consider how the Welsh Government’s economic strategy and employability plan can:

• reduce the proportion of people on low incomes in Wales;
• create more inclusive economic growth that benefits people and places equally across Wales;
• address economic inequalities between different groups of people

Evidence Gathering

In order to inform the work of the Committee, the Committee held a series of oral evidence sessions, a consultation and eight focus groups across Wales.

Report

The Committee published its report: Making the economy work for people on low incomes (PDF, 980KB) in May 2018.

On publication of the report, John Griffiths AM, Chair of the Committee said:

“During the course of our inquiry, we heard some very compelling evidence about the impact of work on people’s lives. The evidence we heard from the small business and construction sectors was particularly inspiring in showing how they can help drive forward improvements in local economies by providing good quality, meaningful work. It was also heartening to hear of how small changes can make a big difference to people’s lives.”

The Welsh Government published its response to the report in July 2018. The report and government response was debated in Plenary on 18 July 2018.

The other strands of the Committee’s work relating to poverty can be accessed here and here.

Keeping in touch

If you'd like to know more about the work of the Equality, Local Government and Communities, please view its homepage, follow its Twitter account or contact the team that supports the Committee at SeneddCommunities@assembly.wales