“The cost of living crisis is the key issue of our time. People are dying and will die because of decisions now being taken. So, to all that are concerned about this- let’s unite, let’s fight and send a clear message to both the UK Government and the Welsh Government – we don’t accept that poverty is inevitable.”
Image: Heledd Fychan MS addresses a recent cost of living protest in Cardiff, by Tom Davies.
Our local Food Bank in Pontypridd recently reached a milestone – it was ten years since it was first established. After a decade in operation it finds itself busier than ever, having recently moved into an expanded location. This is not a situation unique to Wales. Across the UK, there are now more food banks than there are McDonald’s restaurants, illustrating how normalised food poverty has become in what is one of the richest countries in the world.
Demand is similarly high for other services across the region that I represent – South Wales Central. Take demand for debt and energy advice from Citizens Advice as an example. There are weeks-long waiting lists for much needed appointments, with staff and volunteers from organisations struggling to meet the demand. They are clearly worried, especially as the situation is only set to worsen with further energy hikes planned.
Countless individuals and families have also turned to my office for help and advice, the majority of whom are already having to choose between food, clothing, heating, fuel and rent or mortgage payments. The majority are also working, yet are finding it impossible to make ends meet. Mounting debt is hanging over many. With wages stagnant, benefits decreasing and costs increasing, they are out of options.
Parents tell me of their constant worry too, as they are unsure how to find enough money to pay transport costs to get to work or so that their child can attend college. Others write to ask when their child will start receiving free school meals – a pledge that is part of the cooperation agreement between Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Government. They cite how much of a difference it will make to those who are struggling but whose children do not qualify at present.
But though universal free school meals for all primary school children is an important step forward, more support is needed to help people access their right to food, water, a safe and warm home, a fair wage, public transport, and healthcare.
Yet, increasingly so, these basic and fundamental human rights are becoming luxuries with too many people having to choose between them. It is shameful that consecutive UK Governments have allowed this to happen. And as we know, this disproportionately affects those most vulnerable in society, those who are already at a socio-economic disadvantage in Welsh society – such as renters, those on low incomes or in insecure work, disabled people, children, lone parents, older people, care leavers, and Black , Asian, and ethnic minority households. Greater costs will only make things worse.
Currently, at least one in every five children is living below the poverty line in every part of Wales- a figure that will only get worse come April, as many more people are expected to be plunged into poverty.
At the same time – the rich are getting richer. Energy companies continue to report massive profits. In January, Oxfam published research detailing that the world’s ten richest men more than doubled their fortunes from £700 billion to £1.5 trillion during the first two years of the pandemic.
Whilst 99 percent of humanity have seen their incomes fall and over 160 million more people have been forced into poverty, these ten individuals now have six times more wealth than the poorest 3.1 billion people.
When the cost-of-living crisis has been debated in the Senedd, some of those sitting on the Conservative benches have laughed – making out that our economy is thriving, and that there are plenty of jobs out there for people who are struggling, making out that people are choosing to struggle to make ends meet.
In fact, one Conservative MS said – and I quote – “Work is the best way out of poverty and the Government should be doing everything possible to help and encourage people into the
workforce.” Yet, as we know, 97,000 people in Wales who receive universal credit are working.
The truth is that our political and economic system is broken and works for the few, not the majority. And those responsible don’t even acknowledge the role they have played in bringing this situation about, with even David Cameron – whose government were responsible for so many austerity measures that continue to impact us today – boasting about his role in volunteering in a food bank for the past two years.
This isn’t just a cost of living crisis – it is an emergency. People are dying and will die because of decisions being taken. So, to all that are concerned about this- let’s unite, let’s fight and send a clear message to both the UK Government and the Welsh Government – we don’t accept that poverty is inevitable. More can and needs to be done. Political decisions have led to this crisis, and we need urgent political interventions to put this right.
The next cost of living protest will be held in Cardiff on Saturday 2nd April, at 12.30 by the Nye Bevan statue, Queen St.
*Heledd Fychan is the Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for South Wales Central
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