NEWPORT East AM John Griffiths has urged Welsh Government to take on board recommendations drawn up by the Wales Anti-Poverty Coalition in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The group, who work alongside Mr Griffiths in his role as the Chair of the Cross Party Group on Poverty, have written to first minister Mark Drakeford offering a series of proposals to help Welsh Government support and protect the most vulnerable people in society during the pandemic.
Their letter outlines both immediate and longer-term challenges facing vulnerable groups – including carers, households on low incomes, pensioners and those with underlying health conditions.
They also expressed concern about loneliness given the stringent but necessary measures around social distancing.
Mr Griffiths backed the group's letter, and called for more help for vulnerable people during lockdown.
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“We all have a part to play in supporting one another during these worrying times – both in Newport and across the rest of Wales," Mr Griffiths said.
"I am pleased that Welsh Government has already committed to putting a further £24 million into supporting voluntary groups, and a further £15 million for a direct delivery food scheme for Wales’ most in need.
“The measure of society is how we support the most vulnerable. Welsh Government and our charities across Newport are rising to that challenge - but there is always more we can do.
"I know our First Minister like me is committed to tackling poverty and will seriously consider these recommendations set out by the Wales Anti-Poverty Coalition.”
The coalition is made up of Rachel Cable (Oxfam Cymru), Jim Barnaville (Caritas Archdiocese of Cardiff), Pearl Costello (Food Cardiff), Louise Davies (Save the Children), Tom Davies (The Children’s Society), Steffan Evans (Bevan Foundation), Allison Hulmes (British Association of Social Workers Cymru), Sean O’Neill (Children in Wales), (Katie Palmer, Food Sense Wales), John Puzey (Shelter Cymru), Nerys Sheehan (Action in Caerau and Ely), and Alicja Zalesinska (Tai Pawb).
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