Poorest risk being the worst affected in exposed Welsh economy, say MPs

Poorest risk being the worst affected in exposed Welsh economy, say MPs

A cross-party group of MPs, including Cynon Valley MP Beth Winter, have warned that there is a real risk that the worst effects of Covid-19 could fall on those who are least able to afford it in Wales.

In an interim report on the impact of Coronavirus on the Welsh economy, the Welsh Affairs Committee said that the economic shock caused by Covid-19 risks undoing much of the progress achieved in recent decades in raising employment levels in Wales.

Beth Winter MP warned that the pandemic could have a profound impact on some of the most vulnerable communities in Wales:

“Even before the pandemic, the Cynon Valley contained some of the poorest communities in the UK, and it is these same communities that stand to suffer the worst effects of Covid-19.”

“The claimant count has doubled in RCT already, and we are facing the prospect of unemployment returning to levels not seen in decades here in Wales.”

“We are resilient here in Cynon; however, it is vital that people are supported through this turbulent time. The Furlough Scheme has proved that this is possible. UK Government must step up to make sure the most vulnerable people in society are protected.”

“The pandemic has shone a light on the failings of our economic system, with gross inequality and widespread poverty. As we emerge from Coronavirus, it is vital that we build back better, creating a fair, green economy that works for the many, not the few.”

The Committee will return with recommendations in the Autumn.