CAMPAIGNERS have called for Welsh government action to eradicate child poverty in Wales.

New research for the End Child Poverty Coalition, published today, showed that across Wales, 31 per cent of all children live in poverty.

The group said there was a strong correlation between the two-child limit and child poverty across Wales.

End Child Poverty Coalition’s Rachel Walters said: “No child in Wales or beyond should have to experience poverty.”

The coalition said the way the data is captured means it is not possible to look at the impact of some of the Welsh government’s flagship policies, such as universal free school meals, on child poverty in Wales.

But the new analysis pointed to the actions of devolved governments in reducing child poverty, showing how the introduction of the Scottish Child Payment has contributed to overall lower levels of poverty.

The Bevan Foundation’s Dr Steffan Evans said many of the key levers to tackle child poverty remain at Westminster, but said the Welsh government had a crucial role to play.

“The latest analysis highlights that there is a need for all political parties to be bolder in their commitments to end child poverty as attention turns to the Senedd election next year,” Dr Evans said. 

A Welsh government spokesperson said: “We will continue to call for positive changes in social security policy to tackle child poverty, particularly seeking a commitment to end the two-child benefit rule.

“Our commitment is backed by substantial investment of over £7 billion between 2022-2026 to reduce costs and maximise incomes for Welsh families.”