Social security should be devolved, so that we can design and deliver made-in-Wales social protections that better reflect both the needs and values of our people and communities. A Plaid Cymru government will press the UK Government to deliver on this.
As we fight for the devolution of full powers over welfare, we will work to improve the existing Welsh Benefits System – which currently includes the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, Baby Bundles, Free School Meals, the Schools Essentials Grant, Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA), the Welsh Government Learning Grant and Healthy Start Vouchers.
We will:
- Retain a Welsh Benefits Steering Group, to ensure that work continues on implementing a Welsh Benefits System, including incorporating Cynnal as a new Welsh benefit.
- Review the effectiveness of existing individual Welsh benefits, as well as associated schemes like the Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF), to maximise impact and guarantee value for money.
- Ensure that both the eligibility criteria and cash value of Welsh benefits are fit for purpose.
- Streamline access to Welsh benefits, including making their automatic delivery to eligible households a statutory duty.
- Examine options for future Welsh benefits, such as a Baby Grant to help new parents in low-income households to afford essential equipment.