What next for the benefits system in Wales?

A panel of experts will explore the future of the benefits system in Wales in the first sitting of a new Welsh Affairs Committee inquiry on Thursday.

MPs will quiz a panel of academics on the benefits system before and during the covid-19 pandemic, as well as potential reforms to the system. The session will also look at the impact of the devolution of some benefits in Scotland and what lessons there are for Wales.

Cynon Valley MP Beth Winter, who initially proposed the inquiry, said ‘This week we’ve heard DWP Minister Therese Coffey disgracefully say that she is ‘entirely happy’ with the cut to Universal Credit that will cause widespread hardship in Wales.’

‘She must be the only one who is happy about it as everyone I speak to who is on Universal Credit is terrified about the looming cliff edge and worrying about how they are going to heat their homes over the winter.’

‘Contrast that with Welsh Government who are currently exploring trialling a Universal Basic Income as they look at different ways to support low earners in Wales. The growing appetite for radical change reflects how people feel about the state of our current welfare system under this cruel and callous Tory Government.’

‘I’m looking forward to exploring what we could be doing differently on Thursday.’