Spring 2019 Wales’ best policy and politics magazine

Bread and butter actions to solve poverty Mark Drakeford AM

Listening to people Suzy Davies AM

2nd home tax loophole Siân Gwenllian AM

ISSN 2059-8416 Print ISSN 2398-2063 Online contents: spring 2019 Wales’ best policy and politics magazine

50.open.ac.uk

A unique space in the heart of Cardiff for everything connected with your wellbeing. 50 MLYNEDD O 50 YEARS OF Created by Gofal, the charity thinking differently about YSBRYDOLIAETH INSPIRATION mental health.

Wedi’i seilio ar ei chred gadarn sef y dylai addysg fod yn Dedicated Workplace Wellbeing Programmes agored i bawb, mae’r Brifysgol Agored wedi treulio’r hanner A team of professional counsellors with a range of approaches canrif ddiwethaf yn helpu dysgwyr ledled Cymru a’r byd i droi’r Employee Assistant Programmes offering quality support amhosibl yn bosibl. Yn ystod carreg filltir ein pen-blwydd yn 50 oed, rydym yn creu rhaglen o ddigwyddiadau a gweithgareddau cyrous a fydd yn All profits will be reinvested into Gofal - amlygu’r myfyrwyr, sta, partneriaid a theulu’r Brifysgol sustainable wellbeing for all Agored sydd wedi gwneud ein sefydliad yr hyn ydyw heddiw. Mark Drakeford AM Alicja Zalesinska Alun Michael Company Number: 2546880 2 Solving poverty in Wales 10 Housing is a human right 18 The challenge of austerity Registered in England and Wales Registered Charity Number: 1000889 Founded on the firm belief that education should be open to to policing all, The Open University has spent the past fifty years helping learners from all over Wales and the world to make the impossible possible. During our landmark 50th birthday, we’re building an exciting 2 Politics: Mark Drakeford AM 14 Universal Credit: 24 Book Review: Wayne David MP 02920 440 191 [email protected] programme of events and activities that will showcase the students, sta, partners and the OU family who have made our Solving poverty in Wales: bread Rebecca Woolley 26 Thought Leader: www.breathespaces.com institution what it is today. and butter actions to put pounds Making Universal Credit work Deborah Hargreaves in pockets for everyone The feminine organisation 4 Politics: Debbie Green, Chris 16 Diversity: Suzy Davies AM 27 Project update: Llewellyn, Susan Lloyd-Selby, Listening to people who aren’t Solving holiday hunger Nisreen Mansour like me TIME FOR Hopes and expectations of the new 28 Bevan Foundation News BETTER PAY Qualifications in Wales 17 Second homes: First Minister’s government Siân Gwenllian AM 30 Subscriber News are changing 6 Economy: Luca Calafati Second home tax loophole minimum wage 31 Spotlight: Rick Greville £10 per hour qualificationswales.org and Joe Earle must close Well-being and the Welsh economy Director, The Association of the MINIMUM 16 HOUR CONTRACTS @quals_wales 18 Policing: Alun Michael British Pharmaceutical Industry 8 Social care: Rhian Davies The challenge of austerity Wales Cymru & Derek Walker for policing RIGHT TO CONTRACT Co-operatives for care 32 Last word: Victoria Winckler ‘NORMAL HOURS’ 20 Q&A: Kathryn Bishop, Chair of Brexit, shopping lists and 10 Housing: Alicja Zalesinska the Welsh Revenue Authority undercurrents NO TO ZERO HOURS CONTRACTS Housing is a human right New ways for new devolved taxes Please sign the petition and share it 11 Housing: Karen Grunhut 22 Empowering people: End rough sleeping Ansley Workman with friends, family and colleagues. Seeing differently 12 Education: Sally Power, www.usdaw.org.uk/T4BP Chris Taylor & Nigel Newton 23 Immigration: Lucy Stone Bevan Foundation Will curriculum reform leave behind Reframing the narrative around Cymwysterau yng 145a High Street, To join Usdaw visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/join disadvantaged learners? migration Nghymru yn newid Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8DP or call 0800 030 80 30 Tel. 01685 350 938 n General Secretary: Paddy Lillis n President: Amy Murphy cymwysteraucymru.org n Divisional Officer: Nick Ireland @cymwysterau_cym [email protected] n Divisional Office: Cardiff Gate Business Park, Unit 10, The views in articles, advertisements and news items in Exchange are those of the contributors www.bevanfoundation.org Oak Tree Court, Mulberry Drive, Pontprennau CF23 8RS and are not necessarily shared or endorsed by Bevan Foundation Trustees, staff or other subscribers. All articles are copyright Bevan Foundation. bevanfoundation

Spring 2019 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 1 politics: mark drakeford AM Solving poverty in Wales: bread and butter actions to put pounds in pockets

Mark Drakeford AM, new First Minister of Wales, sets out his plans to solve poverty.

ver since the onset of determined to provide Wales with a devolution, the challenge of flow of funds which match our needs. National Assembly at the start of we have found new money, from responding to poverty has For families and individuals that There are vitally October, we again boosted the our declining budget, to create the Ebeen at the forefront of means a reversal in the policies important actions funding of the successor to the only national network in the United What affects political debate. In my view, that which really are to blame for Social Fund in Wales – a fund which Kingdom of schools open during the any one of us, debate has often been unhelpfully household poverty – the bedroom which a Welsh puts money directly into the pockets long summer holidays, to make sure framed. It has failed to distinguish tax, the freeze on benefits, the attack Government can take of the poorest households in the that children go on having food to affects us all. between those policy levers which on child benefit, the botched land. In the same month, the eat. These are examples of the bread lie in the hands of the National introduction of Universal Credit and to tackle poverty in Guardian reported that the parallel and butter actions upon which I Assembly, and those which remain so on. For public services, it means the here and now. system in England, ‘set up less than want us to concentrate. The extra socialism, determined in its pursuit at Westminster. It has, at times, led funding which does not pitch one five years ago to provide emergency investment in the youth service of equality to resist the ‘sink or swim’ to a focus on actions which are only vital service against another, but help to England’s poorest families is announced in the draft Budget, the society which, here in Wales, holds weakly within devolved control, and which provides the investment on the verge of collapse’. In the draft more than doubling of the money no attraction, even among those an insufficient recognition of those which is needed to repair the Looked at in this way, I believe that budget, the Labour Government in provided for the new and extended lucky enough to be swimming. practical measures which have been damage caused by the longest the record of successive Labour Wales decided to find £244 million school uniform grant, the guarantee I firmly believe it is the responsibility taken by successive Welsh Labour and deepest period of austerity Governments in Wales deserves again next year to retain Council Tax that money for the extra children of government at all levels to take administrations. in our history. more credit that is often provided. Benefit. Compared to what has who will now be entitled to free on, rather than exacerbate, the For some, especially those who Of course, that does not mean During the autumn’s leadership happened to poorest households in school meals in Wales will be paid inequalities which so many face believe that the future of Wales is that there are vitally important campaign I was contacted by a England, this is a cash-equivalent of for by the Welsh Government, not at birth, reversing them wherever best served by concentrating on actions which a Welsh Government family whose daughter has moved over £190. Given our record, the by schools themselves, the major possible through risk-sharing and bringing about the breakup of the cannot take to tackle poverty in the to live in Bristol. She had just devolution of the administration of rise in money available for our redistribution. For those who need United Kingdom, the answer is to here and now. Our actions have attended her new GP. Later that day the benefit system has to merit school holiday Food and Fun the help of a Welsh Labour devolve further powers in this field long been focused on what Barbara she contacted her parents to ask serious consideration. programme. That is a powerful start Government the most, it means to the Assembly. I have always been Castle would have called the ‘social which one of the three prescriptions These are just a small number in a single budget, especially in an taking those actions which liberate a committed devolutionist, usually wage’ – the services which her GP provided she should take to of a concerted, deliberate policy age of austerity. money in their pockets and which campaigning for the Labour Party government can provide, the chemist. Each of those approaches taken here in Wales. All of these individual actions are strengthen the bonds of a society to go further and faster in placing collectively, on behalf of us all, and prescriptions cost £8.80, so all three The list could be extended by citing rooted in a wider and unifying built on the fundamental principle decisions which affect only Wales in which, otherwise would have to be would require £26.40. examples from the very first approach to the purpose of that what affects any one of us, the hands of the Welsh people. But, paid for from household budgets. There are many, many families in Assembly term – abolishing entry Government here in Wales. As the affects us all. when it comes to devolution of These ‘cash-equivalent’ services Wales where control of chronic charges to museums and galleries in new First Minister, I want this to be macroeconomic policy and the have the direct effect of freeing up conditions require three or more Wales – to the most recent, in which a revitalised form of 21st century A version of this article was social security system, I take a money in families’ pockets, and, to medicines every week. On that score one of a series commissioned different view. For me, solving paraphrase Beveridge, a pound left alone such a household would be from political party leadership poverty in Wales is best achieved in the budget of a family on the £1,372.80 a year better off in Wales It is the responsibility of government at all candidates, and follows through a partnership between a margin of managing, is a pound than a family in the same features by Adam Price AM and Labour Government at the Assembly that matters far more than the circumstances without a Welsh levels to take on, rather than exacerbate, the Paul Davies AM published in and a radical, redistributing Labour same amount in the budget of Labour Government. inequalities which so many face at birth. Exchange issue 12. Government at Westminster, the better off. In the draft budget I laid in the

2 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 3 first minister Enshrine social partnership The First Minister should Now is the time to deliver in law turn the tide Hopes and expectations Author: Nisreen Mansour, Policy & Author: Susan Lloyd-Selby, Author: Debbie Green, Chief campaigns officer, Wales TUC Operations Manager for Wales & Executive, Coastal Housing South West England, Trussell Trust of the new First Minister’s Work in Wales is unfair for many. The new First Minister’s manifesto Almost a quarter are paid below the We’re a nation that believes in justice makes a clear and welcome hourly voluntary Living Wage, nearly and compassion. It is unacceptable commitment to a socially just government two thirds of households in relative that anyone in Wales should need a economy: it recognises the income poverty have at least one food bank’s help. But between foundational economy, the importance adult in work, and precarious 2017-18, food banks in the Trussell of an asset-based approach and Four leading organisations set out their hopes for the employment is rising. Our labour Trust’s network experienced record “what matters” to people and new First Minister’s government market is failing people in Wales. demand, giving out almost 100,000 communities, rooted in place. Given the wider context – including emergency food supplies to people To achieve this will require a Brexit, the full rollout of Universal in crisis. culture shift. The Welsh Government Credit and automation – this must We know that benefits issues, can reference plenty of well- An agenda of mutual respect be addressed. including waiting for a first Universal intentioned policy – now is the time Making Wales a Fair Work Nation Credit payment, are the key trigger to become confident in delivery. Author: Chris Llewelyn, rests on raising collective bargaining for a food bank referral. Instead of Government needs to learn when Chief Executive, Welsh Local coverage. Roughly a third of workers anchoring people from being swept to trust others, both to understand Government Association in Wales benefit from a collective into poverty, the benefits system is where local strengths lie and to agreement; they have a democratic locking people into it – through deliver more effectively for WLGA is looking forward with say on their pay, terms and delays, payments that don’t cover communities. We need to work optimism to the opportunity to reset conditions. This leads to higher pay, the cost of essentials, and bottom up and across silos to the central-local relationship based more training opportunities and inadequate support. ensure resources can be organised on trust and mutual respect. That safer workplaces. The new First Minister has an around what matters. relationship is integral to successfully Collective bargaining also opportunity to turn the tide. Doing this successfully should maintaining the key local services establishes a relationship between The Welsh Government has made be within the Welsh Government’s which local authorities are responsible workers and their employer. It a clear commitment to Wales’s grasp. The Wellbeing and Future for during a time of austerity. empowers working people. It’s not development into a prosperous and Generations Act is a ground- Council leaders recently engaged just fair work for now, it’s fair work more equal society through the breaking piece of legislation that in impassioned dialogue with for good. Well-being of Future Generations thinks about issues long term and colleagues in Welsh Government We’ve welcomed the First Act. To meet these commitments systemically. It reaches its fourth which resulted in an announcement Minister’s commitment to delivering the Welsh Government needs to use birthday this year, and the of additional funding. It still a Social Partnership Act in this its powers to take action to tackle Commissioner’s new programme, represents a real-term cut for councils Assembly term. It’ll be a key poverty and hunger in Wales: the “art of the possible,” is shining but is a welcome improvement on milestone on the journey to making a light on what works, and how in the initial provisional settlement. Wales a Fair Work Nation. Social 1.  Measure food insecurity every practice public bodies can make This dialogue shows that working partnership (the tripartite year to understand the scale and better decisions for future together is essential to protect our relationship between unions, severity of hunger in Wales. generations. cherished local services. By working employers and government) has Working across organisational with Welsh Government on the 21st delivered for Wales in plenty of ways, 2.  Expand the criteria for accessing boundaries, organising around what Century Schools and Education from protecting us from the worst of the Discretionary Assistance Fund matters to communities, is a Programme, Wales’ school austerity to tackling the use of zero to people experiencing a benefits challenge, especially for civil servants. infrastructure is being transformed; hours contracts in social care. issue, such as waiting for a first From conversations I’ve had they Welsh councils’ efforts have resulted in delivering for the communities government structure. WLGA is Enshrining this in law will make it the Universal Credit payment. are keen to do things differently but in Wales becoming one of the that they represent and making a pleased to have already had default approach where there are don’t always know how. My ask is world’s leading nations in recycling; real difference in people’s lives. constructive conversations with the implications for the workforce, 3.  Re-appoint a Minister for Poverty that they get out into the real world, and unprecedented investment is However, a renewed commitment new First Minister, Minister for enabling social partners to use the who can ensure measures that connect and engage with citizens, being unlocked in all areas of Wales to work in partnership also requires Housing and Local Government and necessary levers to raise collective bring us closer to a Wales where and that we work together, from thanks to councils pushing the a renewed and refreshed agenda of her Deputy, and leaders are looking bargaining coverage. This is how our everyone has enough money for ground level and thinking long term, regional and city deal agenda. These mutual respect. Council leaders forward to building further on the First Minister will make our economy essentials are at the heart of the to achieve a better way of doing are all outstanding examples of expect – and deserve – respect, as reset relationship to deliver together fairer, inclusive and prosperous. Welsh Government’s agenda. things that delivers for Wales. councils’ ingenuity and persistence equal partners within the national for our residents.

4 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 5 economy: LUCA CALAFATI & JOE EARLE have a high contribution to well- a difference. Wales is, in material being yet also have a high ecological The prescription here would be footprint, like food and transport. aggressive targets for retrofitting terms, already well Finally, it is about growth in sectors, energy efficiency in housing (as well into the area of global which have a limited ecological as higher eco-standards in new Well-being footprint yet a high impact on builds), and in transport a list of unsustainability. well-being, like health and care. possible regulations around hybrid The foundational approach is (not diesel) taxis, electric delivery and the Welsh economy Industries and firms are there twofold because both low carbon vans for parcels and natural-gas- because people are there. The food and high carbon foundational powered buses. Here is an area we eat, the homes we live in, the activities have an equally important where Welsh Government needs to The foundational economy could transform well-being in Wales, energy we use and the care we receive: those basic services on say Luca Calafati, a social researcher from Milan, and Joe Earle, Low contribution High contribution which every citizen relies and which to well-being to well-being Chief Executive of Economy. But it needs a fundamental change keep us safe, sound and civilised. Low ecological Care, education, health, of mindset by Welsh Government and others to succeed. These aren’t small parts of our economy. They account for four in footprint community activities = ten jobs, and £1 in every three that low carbon we spend. Indeed, in some parts of High ecological Disposable Food, housing and transport ell-being of Future Wales this basic ‘foundational footprint consumer activities = high carbon Generations Act gives economy’ is the economy. goods? and account for 59% of us the ambition, Not only are these parts of the Welsh consumption related Wpermission and legal economy critical to our well-being, emissions obligation to improve our social, because the interruption of their cultural, environmental and supply undermines safe and civilised part to play in transition. We need to seek and use greater regulatory economic well-being. It requires life, but they are also more resilient change the social composition of powers: in doing so, it can become public bodies in Wales to think to external economic shocks. Even if consumption, by expanding and/or a leader in the UK and beyond. about the long-term impact of a change in the global economy tips addressing quality in the low carbon their decisions, to work better with the attitude of a large multinational sectors like health, education and people, communities and each company against investing in Wales, care. Here we can offer output The foundational other, and to prevent persistent the foundational economy remains. growth and quality gains without economy is critical to problems such as poverty, health And nurturing it is within our power increasing the planetary burden inequalities and climate change. – the levers are devolved, and can and we can innovate socially with our well-being and The vision of the Act is truly be pulled relatively quickly. preventive medicine and new is also more resilient world-leading. A practical transition towards a models of care. These services are However, to date, progress has unsteady but sustained economic planets. Like the rest of Western sustainable economy should not not only important for well-being to external economic been held back because we have growth over the past 50 years. Europe, Wales is, through CO2 and promote generalised de-growth, but politically popular with citizens. shocks. relied on the old ways of thinking But this has not resulted in equity other emissions, certainly contributing but should attempt a more complex More and better services require about the economy to inform how and social inclusion. The Welsh dangerously to global warming. reorganisation of production and imaginative and politically acceptable we put the Act into practice. The Government does not control policy Evidence from science and other social consumption. It is about new forms of taxation – but this is Next steps Act has 46 national indicators levers which could either close the disciplines shows that the growth de-growth in sectors with high not impossible as we see from recent In sum, the foundational economy which track progress towards the GVA gap against the UK or ensure goal conflicts with the ecological footprint yet limited Welsh proposals for social insurance represents a paradigm shift in seven well-being goals. The that the benefits are equitably environmental goal: sustainable contribution to well-being, like to cover the cost of care in old age. thinking about the economy which economic indicators include GVA distributed. Going forward, the levels of resource use and limiting cheap disposable consumer goods, Equally, we need to manage other makes it possible to start doing per head, disposable household increase in precarious, ill-paid jobs global warming require restraint of and re-organisation of sectors which foundational activities, like food, something both practical and income, skills qualifications and combined with continued pressure growth. Very simply, infinite growth housing and transport which are fundamental about transition to a business innovation. on public services and the shocks is not possible on a finite planet. high carbon content: consumption more equitable and ecologically A great mistake of economic caused by Brexit are likely to Standard economics has, to date, A practical transition in these three sectors together responsible world. It is a way of policy in Wales and across many intensify distributive problems. ignored this evidence and therefore towards a sustainable accounts for 59 per cent of the making the seven well-being goals of parts of the world has been to treat Despite the GVA gap, Wales is, in continued reliance on its approach Welsh ecological footprint. All these the Well-being of Future Generations indicators like these as end goals material terms, already well into the undermines progress towards the economy should sectors need strategies which Act the direct aim of Welsh and then simply assume that area of global unsustainability. If the Act’s well-being goals. attempt a complex engage with sector specifics, for Government economic policy. In the increases will automatically translate whole world were operating at the example, tackling the quality of coming year we hope to work into more of the things that matter. current level of Welsh consumption What is the foundational economy? reorganisation of public food in settings like schools closely with the Office of the Future This connection can no longer and production, on the standard Care, food, housing, energy, production and social and hospitals. Housing and transport Generations Commissioner and the be assumed. ecological footprint calculation, construction are all examples are areas where small grants and Welsh Government to develop this For example, Wales has achieved humankind would require 2.8 of the foundational economy. consumption. tough regulation can make agenda further.

6 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 7 social care: Rhian Davies & Derek Walker Co-operatives ensure scarce resources are spent on improving the quality of services and not on shareholder dividends. Co-operatives bank account and register. performance indicators. Some working together for the common As a result of a change to problems stem from the idea that good. Nurturing co-ops and co- for care regulation last year it is now easier a competitive marketplace will be operation through long term to set up micro co-operatives similar more efficient and responsive to supplier relationships surely makes to Friends United Together. need. We’ve got these two things more sense than seeking the Organisations, including co- happening simultaneously, with common good through remotely Co-operatives are part of the solution to the crisis in social care, and are operatives, are exempt from controlling bureaucrats on the one conceived demands and trust- registration when that service hand and competitive providers on destroying competition.” growing across Wales say Rhian Davies, Chief Executive of Disability Wales, ‘provides care and support to four the other. The result is the opposite We are not starting from scratch. and Derek Walker, Chief Executive of the Wales Co-operative Centre. or fewer named individuals.’ of efficiency and responsiveness, In recent years there has been with public money being wasted on significant growth in the number of Cartrefi Cymru Co-operative is at badly designed services run by co-operative care businesses. We the other end of the scale. With a agencies trying to squeeze out haven’t yet created a new movement s part of his ambition to turnover of more than £23 million it profits at the expense of their users of care co-operatives at the scale of deliver 21st century is a large provider of services to and workers. Emilia Romagna’s, but we shouldn’t socialism, Mark Drakeford people with a learning disability. “The answer requires the state to be afraid to be that ambitious. Awants to ‘rebalance’ the Cartrefi converted to a co-op in shift the locus of power and control social care sector and to bring 2017, and is now a multi-stakeholder down to where users and workers Find out more services closer to the public realm co-op with a constitutional can exercise it, whilst simultaneously Direct Payments and a Disabled through co-operative models. The commitment to sharing power and rewarding providers who People’s Co-operative Model: rationale behind this pledge is pretty building community. Its Chief demonstrate a collaborative public a Toolkit: www.disabilitywales. compelling. There is a funding crisis Executive, Adrian Roper, believes service ethos. org/resources/ in social care which is unlikely to get co-operatives offer solutions to “Co-ops provide a structure for Advice and support to set up much better anytime soon. Staff are some of the biggest problems facing users and workers to exercise a social care co-operative: often poorly paid and the care that social care: power, and to be efficient and https://wales.coop/get-our- is provided is sometimes not what “Some problems stem from the idea responsive in their own interests. help/our-projects/care-to-co- people want. So we need to find that a top-down state can manage And co-operative principles include operate/ better ways of delivering care services through bureaucracy and caring about the community, and without more money. Co-operative approaches can help achieve that. They are not the Moncare Co-operative Moncare Co-op offers a ‘buddying’ However there are already lessons answer to all our problems but their Moncare Co-operative aims to service, which builds confidence and for others to learn. The daily barriers membership structure does enable support greater citizen voice, control helps with problem-solving. It also faced by disabled people, parents people who use well-being and and independence through the provides social media platforms and and carers can leave little time and personal care services to have more take-up of direct payments, via the opportunities to meet others, discuss energy to commit to the additional say in how they are run and what development of a citizen-directed the benefits of direct payments and responsibility of running a co- they offer. And when constituted as to manage their payments and even Friends United Together is an co-operative. share insights. It plans to offer a operative. External advice and not-for-(private)-profit businesses, pool them where that can help emerging co-operative in south It was set up following a project matching service that can be used support are key. they ensure scarce resources are them go further. west Wales. It involves a group of led by Disability Wales in partnership to find a suitable PA. The extent of local authority spent on improving the quality of Co-operatives can operate at people who access direct payments with Wales Co-operative Centre and The chairperson of the co- commitment to direct payments is services and not on shareholder scale, not on the margins. In the and want to constitute a small funded by the Big Lottery Fund. operative is Lesley Jones. She says: also critical. While take-up in Wales dividends. Italian region of Emilia Romagna, independent co-operative so that The idea behind the project was “Direct Payments are not being has increased, there are less than The co-operative structure is social co-operatives account for they can purchase care and support to test whether citizen-directed pushed enough. People are being 6,000 recipients out of 160,000 suited to supporting people who more than 50 per cent of the care services. With support from the co-operatives would encourage given the wrong information - some receiving social care services receive direct payments. Direct market. And co-operatives are Wales Co-operative Centre, Friends greater take-up and more innovation are not even being offered Direct including 32,000 receiving payments are intended to improve emerging here too. United Together is navigating its way than existing direct payments Payments. They’re not being given domiciliary care. A strategic choice, control and independence, through the journey to set up a new support schemes. They can, for choices and I’d like those people to approach to the expansion of and yet take-up has remained low in Moncare Co-operative is one of the co-operative, involving bringing example, pool direct payments to know that they have a choice.” support for direct payments is Wales compared with other parts of newest of the growing number of these founder members together, support joint social activities or set As Moncare has only just been required, if it is to become the the UK. A co-operative approach care co-operatives in Wales – more learning what it means to manage up a social enterprise to provide established it is too early to say default option for people requiring enables people to work together details are [opposite]. the co-operative, open their own employment opportunities. whether it will increase innovation. care and support.

8 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 9 housing: Alicja Zalesinska housing: Karen Grunhut Housing End is a human right rough sleeping

Alicja Zalesinska, Director of Tai Pawb, Karen Grunhut, Director of Crisis’ South Wales Skylight service, says the right to housing should be incorporated in Welsh law. argues that Housing First could help to end rough sleeping.

aving a home fulfils one people are housed in their own and legislative decisions are made f you walked through one of our a stable home for those with high tenancy not being dependent on of the most basic of accommodation with support, rather and hopefully more accountability, larger towns or cities in the last support needs. But that is only the accessing support. human needs. Most than being ‘moved’ through protection and ambitious goals in the couple of years you almost start. Once rehoused, people are While there are some tweaks to Hpeople believe that we all emergency accommodation, future. Evidence shows that this was Icertainly saw people who are offered services to address the the practical approach adopted for deserve a safe and stable place to shelters, transitional housing etc. exactly the effect of the Children’s rough sleeping. It’s the most visible reasons why they may have become some people, such as young people, live. And yet, this most basic of The first principle of Housing First is (Wales) Measure. Scotland is racing form of homelessness and it can be homeless to start with, including it has proved to be highly effective. human rights is not currently that housing is a human right. ahead with developments on that dangerous and deadly. Anyone in help with addictions, physical and Crisis estimates that there are protected for 26,000 homeless We need to do much more. The front and there is an opportunity for this situation is also at risk of an mental health problems, social care, between 600 and 1,000 people across people in Wales, 60,000 people on right to adequate housing would Wales to do the same. earlier death, is 17 times more likely support from criminal justice-related Wales who would benefit from social housing waiting lists, thousands require the government to make UN Special Rapporteur of the Right to be a victim of anti-social services and so on. Housing First. The evidence from of disabled people, destitute refugees, detailed plans and set clear to Housing, Leilani Farha, said that behaviour than the general public, People who are rough sleeping use multiple countries shows an average children living in B&B’s and young objectives on how this right will be ‘human rights change the way and faces extreme isolation. other services disproportionately, 80 per cent retention rate, with people unable to afford to live on realised for everyone over time, governments interact with people It probably won’t shock you to despite being a small part of the benefits in health and wellbeing and their own. The list goes on and including developing a rights-based who are homeless and inadequately read that the best way to solve wider homeless population. Housing reduced offending. Finland has seen shows a big gap between our belief housing strategy (Wales has no housed, recognising them not as rough sleeping and all forms of First has traditionally targeted people particularly dramatic results in its in the right to housing and what housing strategy at the moment). beneficiaries of charity, but rather as homelessness is to provide people who are homeless and have multiple Housing First approach and now has happens to people on the ground. The right to adequate housing rights holders and active subjects’. with their own homes. However, in complex needs. There are non- a rough sleeping rate of virtually zero. We need a strong, human rights- would not mean providing a free Perhaps this would help us build the parts of Wales as well as much of negotiable principles for the approach The capital, Helsinki, has converted based vision to bridge this gap. home for everyone – this is a myth. necessary bridge between the the rest of the UK, public bodies are that are essential to its success. The its hostels into supported housing. Currently in Wales we lack a legal It would however lead to a stronger, common belief that we all need a not acting on the evidence that Housing First Network Wales has We’ve taken some very promising and policy framework which would rights-based housing culture across home and the horrible reality we see mainstream housing - and support developed a self-assessment tool steps in Wales. There is Welsh embed the right to adequate housing the government and public sector, on our streets. Housing is a human – is an effective solution. that supports compliance with these Government support for developing into our law. If we had it, everyone’s with better attention paid to people’s right and we all deserve to have a By contrast the Housing First principles – they include the right to a Housing First approach, but we right to adequate housing would be a rights when housing policy, budget place to call home. approach prioritises rapid access to a home, flexibility in support, and the need to scale it up from existing, central consideration in how we plan, localised projects. We need to design and deliver housing and prevent re-think commissioning, as Housing homelessness in Wales. To this end, First requires a different way of we need to incorporate the right to delivering services to people with adequate housing into Welsh law. complex needs who are homeless. We have strong foundations in It is effective but it takes time and is a Wales and these are worth building longer-term commitment that requires upon: since 2015 all people much more secure and long-term threatened with homelessness funding arrangements. The outcomes have a right to some form of help, rely on the security of housing and a with numbers of people helped broad range of flexible and responsive increasing. The Housing First model support services. None of this is easy, is also expanding: this is where some but we have the evidence needed to of the most excluded homeless make it a success across Wales.

10 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 11 education: Sally Power, Chris Taylor & Nigel Newton have access to sufficient resources. pupils inasmuch as it would give In conclusion, teachers’ overall Secondly, there is a danger that them greater flexibility to hopes for the new curriculum are providing more flexibility in the individualise learning and provide substantial. But our analysis has curriculum may mean that more more ‘relevant’, vocationally related shown that there is also disadvantaged learners are offered teaching. As one teacher described considerable uncertainty and Will curriculum reform more vocational opportunities than it, the new curriculum is about genuine worries about whether its their advantaged peers. Thirdly, “Letting them (teachers) choose promise will be realised. And these there is some evidence from the topics that are current and relevant worries are particularly serious in leave behind introduction of the Foundation in terms of industry jobs.” We need relation to disadvantaged learners Phase in Wales that more student- to ensure that giving teachers and schools. As we have seen, only a centred curricula favour some increased flexibility over what they minority of teachers believe that the learners over others. While the teach does not result in some new curriculum will benefit their disadvantaged learners? Foundation Phase increased learner children ending up with a less poorest students. There must be wellbeing overall, it did nothing to ‘academic’ curriculum – resulting in concerns that ‘flexibility’ may mean a close the attainment gap between their opportunities for progression reduced curriculum. And there has Urgent changes to the new national curriculum are needed if disadvantaged the socio-economically advantaged post-16 being restricted to be recognition that this reform and disadvantaged. Providing pupils with a more needs to be underpinned by a schools and learners are not to be left behind, say Professor Sally Power, In order to explore these issues we experiential curriculum was clearly significant new investment. Professor Chris Taylor and Dr Nigel Newton from the Wales Institute have undertaken in-depth interviews something that many teachers felt It may be possible to mitigate with over 30 teachers in 10 Pioneer would benefit pupils. Several against these negative implications, of Social and Economic Research, Data and Methods (WISERD). schools and collected survey data teachers mentioned whole school but our research shows that for this from over 600 teachers across more activities relating to topics which to happen the Welsh Government, than 80 Pioneer schools2. Their they have organised with community the education consortia and the responses reveal significant groups and specialist educators. pioneer schools need to ensure their ambivalences about what the new They also discussed trips they have planning for the success of the new curriculum will mean for their provided groups of learners in curriculum gives more attention to disadvantaged learners. relation to curriculum development the needs of disadvantaged learners Overall, the majority of teachers in work. These experiences were felt to and schools. pioneer schools are excited about particularly benefit the more socially the new curriculum. They are frustrated with the current system, seeing it as a prescriptive curriculum Providing more flexibility in the curriculum which places burdensome accountability demands on schools. may mean that disadvantaged learners are For many, the new curriculum offered more vocational opportunities than promises to give them greater autonomy, enabling them to shape their advantaged peers provision that they consider will be more engaging and relevant to their learners. Given a choice of words to and economically disadvantaged describe their feelings about the pupils for whom these kinds of development of the new curriculum, experiences might be prohibitive ioneer’ schools across Wales secondary schools – towards a new curriculum is likely to require a ‘excitement’ and ‘optimism’ were the due to their family circumstances. have been contributing to more interdisciplinary and high level of investment and it is most commonly chosen by However, teachers across all types the development of a new experiential education. The content unclear whether those schools in teachers. However, not surprisingly of schools expressed concerns Pnational curriculum based of the curriculum will be structured the most disadvantaged settings will given that the new curriculum is due about whether there will be funding on Professor Donaldson’s 2015 around six broad Areas of Learning to be fully rolled out in 2022, the to provide the same levels of report Successful Future 1. In order and Experience (AoLEs) which draw next most frequently chosen word opportunity to pupils, and access to to see what progress they have been together what have been up until The majority of was ‘nervous’. technology, when the new making, WISERD has been now distinct academic and It is striking that less than one third curriculum is fully rolled out. This undertaking research with pioneer vocational subjects. In short, pupils teachers in pioneer of the teachers surveyed thought was especially a concern in schools schools. The results suggest there is will encounter knowledge very schools are excited that the new curriculum would be in more economically deprived areas an urgent need to ensure that differently from previous beneficial to pupils eligible for free which cannot draw on the disadvantaged learners and schools generations. While there is much to about the new school meals. Several teachers we generosity of affluent parents to are not left behind. commend such a radical re-think, spoke to felt that the new supplement budgets, “It won’t work Successful Futures promises a there are also significant risks. Firstly, curriculum. curriculum might benefit these if money isn’t given to schools.” radical shift – particularly for implementing and delivering the 2 There are around 180 ‘pioneer’ schools in Wales which have been tasked with taking forward the new curriculum. It is worth-noting that there is 1 Donaldson, G. (2015). Successful futures: Independent review of curriculum and assessment arrangements in Wales. Welsh Government. an under-representation of schools serving the most socio-economically disadvantaged communities designated as pioneer schools.

12 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 13 Universal Credit: Rebecca Woolley receive temporary top-up payments to prevent them losing out, but those who move onto the benefit in An estimated 77,000 people are expected the meantime won’t. The delay to to move to Universal Credit in Wales in 2019. the full rollout of managed migration Making Universal Credit means fewer people will receive this protection, leaving more people to Universal Credit has some Make testing meaningful face a sudden drop in their income flexibilities like more frequent and systematic as they move onto Universal Credit. payments, having rent paid directly Universal Credit has taken a ‘test and work for everyone There is some protection for to your landlord or splitting payment learn’ approach to the rollout of the severely disabled people, as new between members of a couple, but benefit. But pilots and tests can’t just regulations will prevent people people aren’t told about these and be a formality, they need to be claiming the Severe Disability they can prove hard to get. We do designed to gather the right Rebecca Wooley, Director of Citizens Advice Cymru, asks what Premium from moving onto however welcome Amber Rudd’s information and have time to Universal Credit until managed proposal to expand access to these implement necessary changes before will it take to make Universal Credit work for everyone. migration starts and their financial Alternative Payment Arrangements many more people experience the protection is in place. Support (APAs). Many claimants say they problems identified. They also need should also ensure others who face would benefit from all three APAs to be carried out in a way that big losses when they move onto and should be able to choose the protects the people in the test. ast year Citizens Advice Universal Credit don’t miss out on types of payment that suit them. In the case of managed migration helped over 95,000 people the top-up payment because of As a result of monthly payments, we think the UK Government should in Wales to resolve over the delays to the managed households have to wait five weeks set out success criteria before L450,000 problems. The migration process. after making a claim before they beginning the pilot scheme and biggest issue we help people with is Ultimately, the UK Government include measures of whether the welfare benefits. As of December needs to look again at whether process causes claimants substantial 2018 Universal Credit was rolled out benefits are sufficient for people financial hardship. But the pilot to all of Wales. This means that to pay their bills and cover their The Welsh scheme shouldn’t just diagnose anyone who makes a new claim for essential costs. Many of the Government problems, it should test solutions. a working-age benefit will claim people we help at Citizens Advice Both we and others have Universal Credit. People already are finding that this is no longer should support highlighted that the proposed receiving working-age benefits the case. people to maximise process being tested risks leaving before the rollout will continue to some people without income. receive them as usual unless they Pay Universal Credit so it avoids their income. Measures to help the most vulnerable have a change in circumstances. financial problems clients, for instance ensuring access Amber Rudd, the new Secretary of The way Universal Credit is paid to non-digital application routes for State for Work and Pensions, has and assessed can cause claimants receive their first payment, and one those who can’t apply online , should announced further changes to unnecessary problems and hardship. in six people still don’t receive their be an integral part of the pilot Universal Credit, building on her Unlike many of the benefits it full payment on time. Our evidence scheme. As the number of Universal ambition to ‘make sure it works for replaces, Universal Credit is paid shows this is causing considerable Credit claims grows it’s more every claimant’. She will not ask MPs monthly. Although this works for hardship, leading many to fall behind important than ever that there are to vote on regulations to approve some claimants, for others it can on bills and go without essentials. clearer performance indicators and the process of transferring over 2.8 welcome so long as people going Making sure everyone receives cause substantial budgeting The UK Government has already readiness checks, to ensure it is million households across the UK through this test are properly enough to live on problems, particularly for those who acknowledged some of these issues, working for all claimants regardless currently receiving benefits onto supported. Although the last Budget reversed aren’t paid wages monthly or have but despite several changes people of how they move onto the benefit. Universal Credit yet. Instead they’ll In the meantime, new claimants some of the cuts made in 2015, the fluctuating incomes. are still struggling. They are making We need the UK Government to be asked to approve a pilot study of and people who have a change in 145,000 households moving to further changes following the recent create the capacity to fix known 10,000 cases starting in July 2019. circumstances are still moving onto Universal Credit in Wales could still budget which could give people problems, including the ones above, This is good news. Universal Credit. In Wales, an see a loss. For many, including some The UK Government much-needed extra income during now, to make sure that Universal We have significant concerns estimated 77,000 people are expected disabled people, these losses will be needs to look again this wait, but this won’t be in place Credit is a benefit that truly works for about the UK Government’s process to move to Universal Credit in 2019, substantial. Further pressure has until July 2020. The UK Government everyone. The Welsh Government for this migration of people from old more than doubling the number of been put on household budgets by at whether benefits should bring in this measure sooner should effectively use the levers they benefits to Universal Credit, including people on the benefit. the benefit freeze, which means that are sufficient for and also consider other more have to support people to maximise concern that people who don’t There are a number of significant benefit rates haven’t increased since fundamental design changes, their income and make sure that make a successful claim could have challenges for people moving onto 2015 despite the rising costs of living. people to pay their including shorter payment cycles. ‘passported benefits’ such as free all their benefits withdrawn. The the system now. We think three When the process of ‘managed bills and cover their People budget in many different school meals and the energy commitment to testing the scheme urgent changes are needed to help migration’ from old benefits to ways and benefits need to be efficiency programme Nest, are before setting the final rules is people moving onto Universal Credit. Universal Credit starts claimants will essential costs. designed to reflect this. effective in tackling the cycle of poverty.

14 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 15 Diversity: SUZY DAVIES AM second homes: Siân Gwenllian AM Listening to people Second home who aren’t like me tax loophole must close

Suzy Davies, Conservative AM for South Wales West, outlines her Siân Gwenllian, Plaid Cymru AM for Arfon, exposes a tax new role as her party’s equality and diversity champion. loop-hole being exploited by second home owners.

elsh Conservative the greater the chance of effective early 800 second home second homes and it can also create Equality and Diversity policy-making, the greater the hope owners in Gwynedd have much needed additional income at a Champion’. It’s a for a society which is both confident found a way to avoid time of austerity. One hopes that the Wdouble-edged sword and responsible enough to be truly Npaying taxes into the money can be used in the future to being given a job like this, especially co-productive. public purse. This is probably build homes for our local families. when there might be an expectation That means that this variety of happening in other counties across But nearly 800 second home to use both those edges to single- voice must be audible in all parties Wales but as there are now well over owners are now exploiting a legal handedly hack a way through a exercising executive power. Amber 5,000 second homes in Gwynedd loophole to avoid paying any council forest of unconscious bias. Rudd, for example, wouldn’t pretend – more than in any other county in tax at all. By registering their houses The positive side of this is that my to represent all women but maybe Wales – the problem is particularly as businesses they don’t have to pay party in Wales has grasped that it she is more attuned to the argument acute here. council tax. In theory, they should needs to advocate on this territory. that women have suffered To avoid paying council tax, pay business rates, but because of On the other hand, why isn’t this disproportionately from the second home owners register their an anomaly in the system, they are already everyone’s job? implementation of Universal Credit. properties as small businesses but exempt from paying these rates as I’ve been given this role by our Sajid Javid – perhaps more then they are exempt from paying they are eligible for the small new Welsh party leader because he empathetic to the experiences of business rates too! This is a business rate relief. To be a ‘business’ knew it matters to me. I showed my the Windrush children than his completely unacceptable situation the second home must be available party and my future constituents predecessors? and one that I continue to pursue to let for 140 days a year. How that what my version of “merit” looked Clunky inferences maybe but they with the Labour Government in the is monitored is unclear and I hear like because of support which experiences of the unrepresented make the point. The difficulty with Senedd and one my colleague, the hampers progress. stories of second home owners nowadays would be characterised as through a closed door or over the unconscious bias is that it’s MP for Dwyfor-Meirionnydd, Liz Buying a house is not an option for openly flaunting this rule, or “positive action” and din of Brexit. It’s also made it more unconscious. I’m not sure we’re Saville Roberts, is pursuing with the those on the waiting list. They can’t the ‘letting’ is to family members #AskHerToStand. Now, from a difficult to be heard when we have always that successful at spotting it Valuation Office. afford the deposits and many are on or friends. position of incumbency, I’m hoping something good to say or when you even when we’ve been the subject Every week, electors come to my zero hours contracts and minimum This is scandalous and the to show why we still need them; have questions – as I do – about of it, let alone when we exhibit it. surgeries desperate to move to wages. In some areas, the presence loophole needs to be closed. that, if they want to avoid the how to be better. One way of turning that on its social housing from unsuitable of a high percentage of second I will continue to lobby for this long women-only shortlists, twinning What matters most, though, is head is diverse representation across accommodation. Many are living homes has slowly pushed up house overdue change. One possible and so on that other parties use, using that double edged sword the political spectrum. You only have with other members of the family in prices beyond the reach of local solution is to prevent second homes then they need to think about what effectively. So, this is my invitation to to look at social media to see how overcrowded conditions or they are families. Some second home from moving from the Domestic we will do. you to help me do just that. Yes, easily political bias becomes political living in poor housing in damp owners doubtlessly contribute to Housing Register (properties that It also matters to me because some of you will see this as helping prejudice, to a point which excludes conditions. Some can’t afford to pay the local economy but many only pay council tax) onto the Non- Wales in particular, it’s so acceptable out a party which they don’t like. those of different views. the rent as all their money goes on spend small amounts in local shops Domestic Rate system. It could to buy into the negative narratives Others may like the fact that this is There is genuine danger in any heating poorly-insulated properties. and businesses. be noted in legislation that any about my party. Justified or not, it an overt offer of welcome from community feeling they can only There are 2,000 families currently on Since April 2018, Gwynedd residential property should remain can be a deterrent to engagement. someone who shares their values. talk to certain parties – but then the housing waiting register – Council has been implementing a on the Council Tax register, whatever Also, all recent political discourse What I’m confident of, though, is people like me have to make it families desperate for a home. Local 50 per cent levy on council taxes for its use. That would remove the has been overwhelmed by that you all agree that the greater plainer that we really do want to to housing associations are building second home owners. This can be scandalous anomaly that exists at Euroshouting. It’s hard to hear the the variety of voice in our politics, hear from people who aren’t like me. some new homes but lack of finance one way to deter more from buying the moment.

16 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 17 Policing: Alun Michael The challenge of austerity for policing

Alun Michael, Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales, explains how South Wales Police is responding to austerity.

verything is connected to austerity get in the way. Austerity has everything else” – that’s our We are not prepared brought things into sharper focus – bold statement about how to withdraw from the need to collaborate more, to Eto respond to the austerity shrink together not shrink apart, to – the austerity that is a damaging local communities or think deeply about what services are and self-defeating exercise in delivered and how. But austerity can making bad things worse while to stop tackling low- make it even more difficult to shift hurting the most vulnerable level offending resources to early intervention and members of our society in Wales. prevention while our stretched and UK welfare cuts helped create the shrinking police resources face even visible increase in vulnerable people more demand. on the streets. We’ve also had arousing international interest. swingeing cuts to public services Based on compelling evidence In the six years as Police and Crime government and the NHS – why we are playing a key role in the and a massive impact on mental from Public Health Wales research, Commissioner I have worked struggle with resources, and Most of what refreshed vision of community health and well-being. professionals are understanding the consistently to get the resources the police are increasingly the safety in Wales - stressing that we For policing, the challenge of impact of adverse childhood that the Chief Constable needs “agency of first resort”. the police deal are not prepared to withdraw from austerity is multi-layered and experiences. They’re looking at what to do the job against a slew of And austerity really isn’t over with is individuals local communities or to stop complex. Rather than crime, most of we can do to help through a public big challenges: – even after increasing the local tackling low-level offending, or to what the police deal with on a daily health approach, instead of • Police Grant from the Home precept, South Wales Police have in crisis. miss opportunities for prevention. basis is about the individuals in crisis watching helplessly as people drift Office has been cut by roughly a to deliver £7 million in ‘savings’ The contribution of an additional who can’t get access to the support further into the criminal justice third – 31 per cent in real terms; (cuts) this year. 500 Police Community Support they need when they need it. system and a ruined life. • police officer numbers dipped Despite this, South Wales Police • clearly defines the distinct yet Officers across Wales by Welsh Austerity also plays into the hands In Wales, our belief in the from 3,400 to under 2,800 – is contributing massively to the complementary roles of Government has been crucial. of organised criminals who exploit important role of public service, now around 2,900 through local economy. Home Office figures show Commissioner and Chief We are working to strengthen the vulnerability – whether it’s children the fact that co-operation is a core investment; it delivered £0.5 billion of social and Constable; PCSO’s role as local problem-solver, coping with difficulties at home, value and the impetus from the • demand continues to increase, but economic benefit to South Wales in • reaffirms the powerful ethos of engaging and empowering local those in the care system or elderly Well-being of Future Generations almost 90 per cent by volume has recent years by working with co-operation between us and communities to be resilient, safe, people online. People under Act, are creating a very different little to do with combating crime; partners to innovate, to intervene with others in making South Wales and confident. financial pressure can view low-level environment to England. South • other agencies – including local early to prevent crime and to one of the safest places to live While weighed down by austerity, crime such as shoplifting as the only Wales Police is an active champion address demand from mental health and work. it’s challenging to give the public a way out. It can become a never- of this way of working. The key is to and wellbeing. better service, to prevent bad things ending cycle of problems. That’s work together in a joined-up way I have worked Policing alone cannot deliver the happening, to work why our mantra has become with all partners to prevent problems consistently to We are publishing a refreshed Police ambition set out - that’s why we play compassionately with victims and “early intervention and prompt from getting worse. The Act requires & Crime Plan which: a full part in the Public Services those with mental health issues – positive action”. us all to do things differently, to get resources Boards, set up to deliver on the especially when also facing threats In particular, our “Early Action understand the long-term impact of • protects neighbourhood policing Well-Being of Future Generations from online crime and tackling the Together” programme – now decisions and involving people in the against a slew of and other key aspects of policing; Act. It’s why we work with local evil of organised crime. Balancing involving police and partners in all decisions that affect them. big challenges • sets out how we will deliver on government, the NHS and other these priorities is what the South four police forces in Wales – is And we have refused to let the priorities set out in the Plan; partners on local delivery. And it’s Wales Police & Crime Plan is all about.

18 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 19 Q&A: Kathryn Bishop We have gained great support from a variety of organisations. I am New ways for particularly proud of the work we’ve carried new devolved taxes out with our strategic partner, Natural Resources Wales. Kathryn Bishop, Chair of the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA), Together, we’ve explains the journey of the WRA since its inception supported 17 landfill and her future aspirations as Chair. site operators across Wales to file Landfill

Disposals Tax (LDT). Oxford where I teach a variety of Treasury, since the taxpayer data How did you come to be chair You’re holding a lot of personal organisational leaders. You can we gather from administering taxes of the WRA? data about thousands of people define leadership in many ways, but can help inform changes in future I have worked in Wales and on – how are you keeping it secure? Reflecting on 2018, can you tell here’s my current favourite policy, legislation and rate setting. behalf of Welsh organisations for We are not just building a new us your personal highlight? definition: “Good leadership Although we are not responsible more than fifteen years: initially as a organisation, we are also developing It’s difficult to focus on one specific encourages people to give their best for administering the devolved non-executive at Welsh Government our own culture at the WRA. highlight since so much has been and to do the right thing even when Welsh Rates of Income Tax which and then as the Civil Service Information and data security have achieved in such a short space of no-one is looking”. Effective will remain with HMRC, we support Commissioner for Wales. I’ve always been ingrained into the DNA of the time. But one thing stands out and leadership drives positive work to highlight how, together, valued the interconnectedness of organisation, across all teams, since that’s our partnerships. We have engagement – and I am particularly more than £5bn of revenue will Welsh public service life; it makes the implementation stages of the gained great support from a variety proud that, thanks to our Chief be reinvested directly into public joined-up delivery a real possibility. I WRA. We recognise the power of of organisations. I am particularly Executive and the many talented services in Wales from all was initially unsure whether, as a the public to help them pay the right data, generally, and how it can help proud of the work we’ve carried out leaders at the WRA, we have ranked devolved taxes. non-tax specialist, I was right for this amount of tax at the right time. us operate effectively. Using the with our strategic partner, Natural second out of more than 100 UK role, but the chance to work with skills within our Data & Analysis Resources Wales. Together, we’ve organisations in the Civil Service Looking forward again, what one experts to set up a new organisation Innovation is often used as a buzz team, we routinely analyse our tax supported 17 landfill site operators People Survey. thing would you like to achieve in in Wales was not to be missed. word. As a relatively new data sets and use the results to across Wales to file Landfill Disposals your role as Chair of the WRA? organisation, are you innovating? improve and inform our work; for Tax (LDT). I remember joining a What do you see are the next steps We have made a strong start in The WRA administered the We are the first non-ministerial example, in addressing tax risks. briefing early on in my role in this area for collecting and managing building this unique organisation first taxes in 800 years. department of Welsh Government. As we grow, we want to use more and I was impressed by the knowledge devolved taxes in Wales? to meet our initial deadline. Can you explain more? In simple terms, this means we do external sources, for example, and experience of the WRA and We are currently working on our Our challenge now is to sustain We are responsible for collecting not report directly into a Minister partner data and insight, to help us Natural Resources Wales LDT team, next Corporate Plan to be published the energy, passion and focus and managing Land Transaction Tax since we need to maintain the strengthen our data-led approach who work together on this daily. later this spring once approved by that we’ve developed as one team and Landfill Disposals Tax on behalf security and confidentiality of to operating. the Minister for Finance & Trefnydd. at the WRA. Together, we can of Welsh Government. These are the taxpayers’ information. Being the You have a wider role in leadership. We have worked with our partners continue to work closely with our first taxes to be introduced in Wales first of our kind, we have had to Tell us more and what do you think to ensure that our purpose and existing and new partners to for over 800 years – money raised in innovate in a whole range of ways. makes effective leadership? objectives are clear and make sure that the right taxes are Wales for the benefit of Wales. Since For example, we are the first civil I am an Associate Fellow at the Saîd comprehensible. We have an paid at the right time for the 1 April 2018, we’ve administered service organisation in Wales to be “Good leadership Business School at the University of important partnership with Welsh benefit of Wales. around £200m in revenue and we fully cloud-based. Last autumn, we encourages people are estimated to raise £1bn plus over were awarded a UK IT award, jointly four years to support Welsh public with our digital partners, for our to give their best and We are the first non-ministerial department of Welsh Government. services. To do this, we have digital tax system. Innovation is not to do the right thing In simple terms, this means we do not report directly into developed what we call, ‘Our easy, but we have some practical Approach’, which involves us working experience, and we would welcome even when no-one a Minister since we need to maintain the security and collaboratively with representatives, opportunities to share with others is looking”. confidentiality of taxpayers’ information. partner organisations, taxpayers and for the benefit of Wales.

20 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 21 Empowering people: ANSLEY WORKMAN IMMIGRATION: LUCY STONE Reframing the narrative Seeing differently around migration

RNIB Cymru is changing direction. Lucy Stone, policy and research officer at the Bevan Foundation, Its Director Ansley Workman explains how this will help the charity says that we should think and talk about migration differently. break down barriers for blind and partially sighted people in Wales.

NIB Cymru aims to create The work of our staff will be led by a n June 2016 a majority of people real, lasting change for the committee, consisting of blind and in Wales and the UK voted to estimated 111,000 people partially sighted people, their families leave the EU. A huge factor in Rliving with sight loss in and leading professionals working in Ithat vote was immigration, as Wales. But, we can’t do this by the sector. We are also developing promises were made that leaving the simply ‘helping’ people. To break our Connect communities across EU would reduce the number of down the barriers that people with Wales, bringing blind and partially people coming into the UK. Since sight loss face each day, we need sighted people together, whether then, the UK Government have been to do more. So, the first step we it’s for a chat, peer to peer support explicit that the free movement of took was to listen to what these or to campaign. people will end. But do the British barriers are. Essentially we are giving the public really have such strong After consulting with blind and power back to the people who negative views about immigration? partially sighted people from across can genuinely create change, If you look at some of the we need to talk about. Scotland is a as units of labour, but as human the UK we’ve formed a picture of people with sight loss themselves. newspaper headlines in recent years, good example of framing the beings who have intrinsic social what really matters to them. Our So, whether it is calling out society’s the answer would be yes. However, migration debate differently, which value. So, while recognising that research has shown that the biggest misconceptions of sight loss or research from think-tank British arguments focusing on their migration brings economic, barrier facing blind and partially campaigning to end unnecessary Future, who undertook the National demographic and economic needs. demographic, social and fiscal sighted people is the lack of sight loss, blind and partially Conversation on Immigration, tells a Scotland also uses much softer benefits to Wales, we also need to knowledge and understanding of sighted people will be at the core different story. They found that while language around migration than in the recognise that migrants are people sight loss and outdated attitudes. of this work. the online debate is largely polarised UK as a whole. This might be due to who add to the richness of Wales’ Shockingly people with sight loss tell Our new strapline, ‘See Differently’, into arguments ‘for’ and ‘against’ the Scottish Government promoting society and culture. us that this has a bigger impact on helps encompass this change. Not immigration, the face-to-face positive messages about the benefits With the UK’s immigration policy them than practical challenges like only does it encourage us to realise debate occupies more of a centre of migration, something that has undergoing some significant employment or travel. that each person’s sight loss is ground. Most of the British public been generally missing in Wales. changes, now is the time for Wales A poll of the general public backed different, it also makes us see the see both the benefits and challenges To change the narrative, we need to decide whether it wants to uphold this up, with 32 per cent of people in way we work differently. So, rather that migration brings. to break away from the UK’s hostile the UK’s damaging view of migration Wales thinking that someone with use phones and that huge leaps in than ‘helping’ individuals we will Wales needs to build on this views of migration and adopt a or adopt its own attitude. Does sight loss can’t enjoy TV and film, technology are having a big impact empower the blind and partially balanced view of migration to reframe narrative that focuses on the benefits Wales want to be seen as inward- and more than a third (37 per cent) on the lives of people with sight loss. sighted community to break down the discussion. Currently, Wales does of migration whilst acknowledging looking and hostile towards admitting that they thought people To challenge some of these myths these barriers for themselves. not have its own voice on migration, the challenges. A change from migration, or seen as an outward- with sight loss would struggle to find and lead our work in Wales we will with debate largely mirroring the ‘migration is bad but…’ to ‘migration facing, multi-cultural and globally- and hold down a job. be working with blind and partially wider UK narrative. This needs to is good but…’. Equally as important is responsible nation? This misconception has been sighted people to tackle the issues For more information on RNIB change and a good place to start is for Wales to see migrants differently. borne out in the last few weeks after that matter to them. We now work Cymru’s work visit www.rnib.org. with the benefits of migration. Migration should be viewed as a For more information, see our a photograph of a woman holding as a network team, based on a uk/wales, email [email protected]. Unlike in England, here migration natural and normal social recent report ‘Life After Free a white cane and a mobile phone model of social leadership, which in uk or call the RNIB Helpline on helps to maintain and grow our phenomenon that people have been Movement: Making future went viral. The general public just practice will mean collaborating with 0303 123 9999. population and boosts the doing for generations. Non-UK immigration policy work for Wales’. aren’t aware that blind people can blind and partially sighted people. workforce in many sectors. It is this citizens should not solely be viewed

22 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 23 arts & culture: Wayne David MP how Merthyr was “one of the main centres” in south Wales for the opposition to the war. The focus for opposition to the Book Review: war after early 1916 was conscription. But a significant division opened up within the ranks The Opposition to the Great of the main anti-war movement, the No-Conscription Fellowship (NCF). The ‘Absolutists’, who were War in Wales 1914-1918 the leadership of the NCF, took the view that there should be no compromise with the state and therefore no assistance for, or any Wayne David, MP for Caerphilly, reviews Aled Eirug’s participation in, anything related to study of the anti-war movement in Wales. the war effort. Others, including Morgan Jones, took a different view. The ‘Alternativists’ believed that opposition to the war should he Great War was a war like pacifist movement its unique Welsh be focussed and specific. no other. In its horror, in the voice and provided a platform for Accordingly, many ‘Alternativists’ enormity of the conflict, in anti-war Nonconformists. A eventually signed up for a Tthe sheer number of the relatively small number of Welsh Government work scheme. casualties, and in its long-term ministers of religion supported During the war, many COs consequences, the First World War pacifism, but their stance was of suffered hostility in their had an impact upon the world which huge significance in that it helped communities and harsh treatment is difficult to underestimate. The provide succour for those who in prison. When conscription was centenary of the war saw a plethora refused to serve in the military. an overlap between the different eventually brought to an end, the of publications that have shed new Another distinct ‘strand’ in the opponents of the war. A significant Aled Eirug provides men who opposed the conflict now light on the conflict. Most of the anti-war movement were the number of ILPers were as influenced found themselves living in a Wales studies have focussed on either the so-called ‘Advanced Men’. These by religious nonconformity as they us with a valuable which was very different to the conflict itself or the national or were the radical miners who were of were by democratic socialist ideas. insight into a country that had existed before international aspects of the war. growing influence within the South Morgan Jones of Bargoed and 1914. As Aled Eirug explains, the Some have focussed on the Wales Miners’ Federation and had Reverend T E Nicholas (Niclas y tumultuous period Great War marked an immense individuals who opposed the war, been associated with the Miners’ Glais) from West Wales are two in Welsh and break with the past, in Wales as but, until now, no one has examined Next Step (1912). They were loosely examples of anti-war activists who elsewhere. Many things were the extent and character of the organised, and were inspired by the well illustrate the point. British history. profoundly different, but one of opposition to the war in Wales. This ideas of syndicalism and workers’ To explain the central role of the the most powerful features of book by Aled Eirug does precisely control. The Russian Revolution of ILP, Aled Eirug focusses on two Wales during the 1920s was a this and, as such, it provides us with October 1917 gave added impetus places in Wales where the ILP was mechanism which enabled so many heartfelt desire to preserve peace. a valuable insight into a tumultuous to their cause. Although the views of particularly strong. The first is Briton ILP members to make a stand This is a brilliant book. Inevitably, period in Welsh and British history. This is a the ‘Advanced Men’ were seldom Ferry. With 367 members, 6.5% of against the war. its readability suffers a little from Perhaps historians have tended to uniform, they shared the view that the town’s adult population, the ILP The other area that Aled Eirug having begun life as a PhD thesis, exaggerate the support for the Great brilliant book. the war was an imperialist struggle Branch in Briton Ferry played a focusses on is Merthyr Tydfil. The but that should not prevent the War in Wales, however it is still very and that workers had to unite across pivotal role in the community. Its Merthyr area produced 70 COs and, book being recognised as a much the case that most people in national borders to oppose it. members were predominantly trade like in Briton Ferry, the ILP played an valuable contribution to the Wales were firmly behind the war was muted, but as the war entered Of far greater significance was the unionists who worked in the local important role here too. Merthyr had understanding of those who effort, and during the first few 1915, and the Government turned to opposition that came from the ranks tinplate works. Many of the a strong anti-war tradition, as well as sacrificed so much to oppose months of the war especially, a conscription in the following year to of the Independent Labour Party members had strong links with local a well-established working class the most horrific of conflicts and huge wave of jingoism swept across maintain the numbers of military (ILP). In Edwardian Wales, it was the places of worship, notably movement, and of course the the communities from which Wales. Against this backdrop, Aled personnel, so the opposition to the ILP that had been the cutting edge Jerusalem Baptist Church. The ILP constituency returned the first MP they came. Eirug describes in absorbing detail war became emboldened and more of the opposition to Liberalism and Branch had its own choir, ran who was an “unequivocal socialist”, how a brave minority, drawn from visible. Opposition to the war took its working-class variation Lib- debates and literary classes, and no Keir Hardie. Given Hardie’s ‘The Opposition to the Great War different backgrounds and with many forms. There were some who Labism. It was the ILP which fewer than 96 COs came from the inspirational leadership, the town’s in Wales 1914-1918’ by Aled Eirug. different beliefs, opposed the opposed the war on religious provided most of those who became Briton Ferry and Port Talbot area. traditions and the organisation of University of Wales Press; Great War. grounds. A monthly Welsh language conscientious objectors (COs). Aled Clearly, as Aled Eirug argues, there the ILP, with its highly influential 249 pages, £24.99. At first the opposition to the war magazine, Y Deyrnas, gave the Eirug describes how there was often was a strong community support paper, the Pioneer, Aled Eirug tells us

24 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 25 thought leader: Deborah Hargreaves project update The feminine Solving holiday hunger

organisation Every school holiday, a growing number of children from low-income families do not have an adequate diet. Thanks to the generosity of those Deborah Hargreaves, journalist fellow with the Friends Provident Foundation, who supported our ‘Hands up against holiday hunger’ appeal and the help formerly business editor at the Guardian and CEO of the High Pay Centre, of the South Wales Food Poverty Alliance and Merthyr Valleys Homes, writes about why it’s time to change how organisations are run. the Bevan Foundation is working on lasting solutions to the problem.

“Put simply, we couple of months talking to women he Bevan Foundation’s exercise on children’s health and like Yve and many others at both latest project is looking at happiness was truly inspiring! women have had ends of the career spectrum and in solutions to the growing There’s a groundswell of to fit ourselves between. This is part of my project Tproblem of ‘holiday hunger’. community action too. Cherrie Bija on women in the workplace under As a first step, we brought together of Faith in Families talked about their ergonomically, the Friends Provident Foundation more than 60 delegates to learn ‘Community Cwtches’ schemes in physically, mentally journalist fellowship programme. from people working at the frontline Swansea; Hayley Broad of Merthyr There are many inspirational of school holiday provision and to Valley Homes described their holiday and emotionally into women who are trying to do discuss what should be done. This is hamper scheme and finally, Sam a man’s world of work. things differently in order to make made redundant while on maternity what we found. Froud-Powell talked about Your It wasn’t designed for work suitable for them – often leave. Women have lots of issues Community Pantry being run by challenging entrenched views on around caring for babies and The bigger picture Action in Caerau and Ely (ACE). us much less for the their roles and functions. children, but also they are more Holiday hunger is part of a wider • measure food insecurity better; next generation we are Women have different likely to look after their parents problem of food insecurity. Food • pay more people a living wage; Towards solutions requirements from men in the or other elderly relatives. Women expert Lindsay Graham highlighted • provide greater support to cope In discussion, there was agreement bringing up. I would workplace for reasons of biology, do not want to be seen as having shocking extent of food insecurity with Universal Credit; that good provision is essential – a argue it is increasingly caring responsibilities and values. special needs. Many would like across the UK, yet relatively little is • develop a holistic plan to get sandwich or a pasty are not enough. They are often in low-paid work, in flexibility, but don’t want to push understood about its causes and children well fed and nourished; Schemes should be welcoming and unsuitable for many insecure employment conditions for unique treatment. As a mother long-term effects. Although there is • enhance the school holiday free of stigma; should provide good, men too.” imposed by the modern workplace. said: If men could just ask to leave a wealth of projects to address the enrichment programme. ideally hot, food and develop Even women who progress up early once a week to go to football problem, for every one child that has nutritional skills; and should engage Yve Newbold the career ranks are paid less than training, it wouldn’t make me feel so benefitted from a holiday provision Exploring different approaches the whole family. Planning ahead, men for similar roles. Women in bad about leaving early to pick up programme, there are eight who Katie Palmer of Food Sense Wales involving parents and children and managerial positions complain my kids from school. have not. Lindsay reminded us that introduced the School Holiday co-ordination between agencies is o says a woman who had a about frequently being mistaken We all accept the status quo children in poverty cannot change Enrichment Programme, with a also key. very successful career as a for an assistant to a man – who is because that’s the way it’s always their own living situation by scheme expected to run in every lawyer and in the boardroom. usually their junior. been. But we could change it – it’s themselves – the government has a local authority in Wales in summer Looking ahead, the long-term SYve Newbold was one of the There are some deeply ingrained within our power. The workplace responsibility to step in. 2019. Cardiff and Vale Health Board’s solutions lie in increasing household first women to serve on a corporate expectations about how women will has been designed around a Hayley Richards of the South Emma Holmes stressed the incomes especially during the board in Britain, becoming company behave. When they confound those man’s career pattern and male Wales Food Poverty Alliance pointed importance of good quality food holidays and ensuring families have secretary at Hanson, the industrial expectations, the outcome is not values, but it is not set in stone. We out that if we do not want food coupled with nutritional skills in access to low cost, high quality business, in 1986, and went on to always positive. Men are given more have to convince those who run banks to become a part of day-to- holiday schemes. Delegates then food and the skills to cook it all join other boards as a non-executive license to act in a firm, decisive way, organisations that there are many day Welsh life, we need to consider heard about the experience of year round. director. Although she has had a but when women behave similarly, benefits to be gained from a modern how we support low-income Herbert Thompson Primary School We’ll shortly be making full long career in the corporate world, they are often seen as hectoring. workforce run in a more inclusive families beyond the short-term in Cardiff, learning from Thomas recommendations of the action that she feels it was not designed with I have spoken to women about way and we just have to get more provision of food. The Alliance is Clarke and Bonnie Kemble. The needs to be taken to solve holiday her in mind. I have spent the last their horror stories such as being women to the top. calling for action to: impact of good food, great fun and hunger for good.

This article was first published on www.friendsprovidentfoundation.org

26 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 27 news news Keeping you up-to-date with what’s going on Keeping you up-to-date with what’s going on Bevan Foundation News

Insights Solutions Changes People

Tough outlook for Fair Work State of Wales’ Health Poverty and culture Devolving Universal Credit New Trustee: Tamsin Stirling 2019 predicted More than 60 delegates from the Our January briefing on health The National Assembly for Wales’ The First Minister has announced We’re delighted that Tamsin Stirling The Bevan Foundation’s annual public, third and private sectors found that around one in ten people Culture, Welsh Language and that he is to ‘explore’ the has joined the Bevan Foundation’s look at the year ahead once again came together to discuss how in Wales say their health is bad or Communications Committee is devolution of the administration of board of trustees. Tamsin brings a forecast a tough year. Even without fair work can create a route out very bad. We showed that looking at the role of arts and Universal Credit – one of the key wealth of board experience, having the uncertainty of Brexit, growth of poverty at our conference deprivation has a greater effect on culture in addressing poverty and recommendations in our recent been chair of Bron Afon Community in the economy and employment organised with Business in the health than age: the proportion of social exclusion. report. In plenary debate in the Housing, Llamau and Splott are set to be barely perceptible. Community Cymru in December. people in deprived households Assembly, Huw Irranca-Davies Communities First as well as being a And while median wages are likely Keynote speakers from the Fair reporting bad or very bad health is The Bevan Foundation’s evidence to AM asked the First Minister to member of the board of the Wales to rise, the least well-off will be Work Commission provided unique higher than the proportion of people the Committee stresses that there draw on our findings. The Bevan Co-operative Centre. She is also a squeezed hard by frozen benefit insights into their early thinking aged 75 plus doing so (22% compared are three different aspects to the Foundation is organising a round leading consultant on housing in Wales. rates and rising prices of everything about what is ‘fairness’ and the with 17%). State of Wales briefings are question: table discussion to learn from from rent to food to train fares. levers for change, ahead of their available exclusively to subscribers the experiences of the ‘Scottish report in April 2019. and supporters, on our website. •  There is little if any evidence flexibilities’ in administering UC, Our report was front-page news that encouraging people on low which include more frequent of the Western Mail on New Year’s Contributors then explored the incomes to be an audience for payments, payment of rent direct day, and key points in it were raised challenges faced by women, arts and cultural activities reduces to landlords and splitting payments in debates in the Assembly by AMs disabled people and people from poverty, and that there are other between members of a household. from several parties. Black and Minority Ethnic groups in barriers to participation than work. In the afternoon, a keynote admission prices;

presentation by the Joseph Cheaper school uniforms Rowntree Foundation provided a set • There is some evidence New project officer: Helen Everything you need to know of possible solutions, with Business that participation in cultural Following our stand against Cunningham about Human Rights in the Community and Darwin Grey production can provide skills and scrapping school uniform grant, the giving specific examples the role of opportunities to enable people Welsh Government is consulting on A warm welcome to Dr Helen With human rights in the spotlight businesses. The event was a superb to move out of poverty, however new statutory guidance that would Cunningham who joins the Bevan State of Wales’ Education once again, our special briefings opportunity not only to learn from adult learning and community arts require schools to adopt low-cost Foundation team in March. Helen provide an authoritative guide to leading experts in their field but also budgets have been drastically cut; uniforms. We welcome these plans, will be leading our work on Welsh, UK and international law. to network and share ideas with Our February briefing on education but remain concerned that school Building Economic Resilience in Written by leading expert, Dr Simon others. looked at attainment at age 16. We • Arts and cultural activities help to uniform requirements will not be the south Wales valleys. She has Hoffman, Associate Professor at found young people are less likely create poverty, by being one of monitored and that powers to force just completed a placement at the Swansea University, these accessible to achieve five GCSEs at grades A* the lowest-paid sectors in Wales schools to comply will be limited. European Commission in Brussels, briefings cover: to C including Maths and English or and offering often insecure work. and previously worked at Blaenau • The incorporation of human Welsh if they: Shaping the Welsh Gwent County Borough Council and rights into Welsh law • are eligible for Free School Meals; We’re looking forward to giving oral the Alliance for Useful Evidence. Government budget • How incorporation increases • have Special Educational Needs; evidence shortly. accountability • are educated at Pupil Referral • Human rights, quality and Units; or Our evidence to the Assembly’s well-being. • have above average rates of Finance Committee’s inquiry into absenteeism. the Welsh Government’s budget The briefings are available at: www. was extensively quoted in the bevanfoundation.org/publications This insightful briefing is also Committee’s report and was available on our website, for mentioned by AMs in subsequent subscribers and supporters only. plenary debates.

28 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 29 news All the latest from our subscribers Spotlight On Rick Greville, Director Subscribers’ News The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry Wales Cymru

in Wales against this background. The Open University USDAW says Time for New Citizens Advice Director In 140 characters describe If you could invite celebrates its 50th Better Pay of Wales As the life sciences sector in Wales The Association of the anyone, dead or alive, anniversary! employs around 11,000 people in British Pharmaceutical to a dinner party who Going out to work should mean Rebecca Woolley has started Industry (ABPI) over 350 companies, we’ve got a The Open University in Wales is a decent standard of living for in her new role as Director of major role to play. would you invite?? everyone. That’s why Usdaw is calling Citizens Advice Cymru, leading the bringing free talks to locations across The ABPI represents innovative on the government to tackle low pay development of Citizens Advice David Lloyd George – if only half Wales as part of its 50th birthday research-based biopharmaceutical We believe that strong partnerships and insecure work through our Time services across Wales as well as its of the history as written is true, it celebrations. The events began companies, large, medium and are the best way to improve For Better Pay campaign. policy work. Rebecca was previously would be a lively and fascinating in North Wales last month with small, leading an exciting new era of outcomes for patients. We want to Director in Wales for Action on evening, with the opportunity to academics from Blue Planet II sharing biosciences in the UK. work collaboratively to make sure We want government to take workers Hearing Loss. She replaces Fran break into Welsh on particularly their experiences of working on TIME FOR that patients across Wales benefit the programme. The next talk is on concerns seriously so pleaseBETTER sign our Targett PAY who retired from the post in sensitive topics! What is your role at ABPI? from new, innovative medicines in 12th March in Cardiff andTIME is entitled FOR petitionTIMEBETTER at www.usdaw.org.uk/T4BP FOR PAYBETTERmid-January. PAY a planned and timely fashion. “National histories and national Why does ABPI support the minimum wage I am currently the ABPI Director identities: British Devolution past and £10 per hour Bevan Foundation?? future.” The event is£10 free and per open hourto £10 minimum per hourwage minimum wage with responsibility for Wales and Ensuring that the Government and TIME FOR BETTERTIME PAY FOR the distribution and supply chain. NHS Wales can identify early and all, details can be found at MINIMUMBETTER 16 HOUR PAY CONTRACTS It is important that organisations This means leading on everything www.open.ac.uk/wales/eventsMINIMUM 16 HOURMINIMUMCONTRACTS 16 HOUR CONTRACTS plan for transformative treatments like the Bevan Foundation exist in minimum wage the ABPI does in Wales and matters £10 per hour for conditions like Alzheimer’s and Wales. They provide a platform and minimum wageRIGHTTIME TOFOR BETTER PAY CONTRACT across the UK to do with the Private£10 renting per hour& mental ‘NORMAL HOURS’ diabetes, as well as cancers and encourage us to pause for thought MINIMUM 16 CONTRACTHOUR CONTRACTS CONTRACT continuous supply of medicines, RIGHT TO ‘NORMALRIGHT HOURS’ TO ‘NORMAL HOURS’ rarer diseases, is key to what we on some of the bigger issues of the health £10 per hour minimum wage especially leading up to and post MINIMUM 16 HOUR CONTRACTS NO TO CONTRACT CONTRACTS try to do. day. The work that the Foundation RIGHT TO ‘NORMALZERO HOURS’ HOURS Brexit; the range of routes of supply The Chartered Institute of HousingNO TO MINIMUMNO TO 16 CONTRACTS HOUR CONTRACTS CONTRACTS has done on suggesting solutions ZERO HOURSNO TO ZERO CONTRACTSHOURS to patients e.g. hospital, community Please sign ZERO the HOURS petition and share it to inequalities and strengthening Cymru’s Tyfu Tai Cymru project has CONTRACT CONTRACT pharmacy and homecare delivery; What do you enjoy most RIGHT TO ‘NORMAL HOURS’RIGHTwithPlease TO friends,sign‘NORMAL the petition familyHOURS’ and andshare itcolleagues. New WLGA Chief Executive our growing democracy is always delivered its first piecePlease of research sign the petitionPlease signand theshare petition it and share it the authentication of medicines; and about your work? with friends, family and colleagues. inspiring. for 2019 - exploring whatwith needs friends, to familywithwww.usdaw.org.uk/T4BP andNO friends, TO colleagues.ZERO HOURSfamily CONTRACTS and colleagues. procurement practices. be done to improveNO TO mental ZERO health HOURS CONTRACTSwww.usdaw.org.uk/T4BP A new Chief Executive has www.usdaw.org.uk/T4BPPleasewww.usdaw.org.uk/T4BP sign the petition and share it taken charge of the Welsh Local The variety. Whilst I have been at support for tenants and landlords in with friends, family and colleagues. Ensuring that everyone in Wales To join Usdaw visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/join Government Association, as Dr Chris I was first appointed to the post of ABPI, the constant has been Wales, the privatePlease rented sign sector. the petition andTo sharejoin Usdaw it visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/join can lead a healthy and fulfilled orwww.usdaw.org.uk/T4BP call 0800 030 80 30 Llewelyn stepped into the role in Director of ABPI Cymru Wales in May but I have also had the opportunity with friends, family and colleagues.n General Secretary: Paddy Lillis n President: Amy Murphy life is fundamental to the Bevan To join Usdaw visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/joinTo join Usdaw visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/join 2003, following an apprenticeship orn Divisional call Officer: 0800 Nick Ireland 030 80 30 January. He accedes into the position to lead on our engagement with The report is available at: http://www. Ton Divisionaljoin Usdaw Office: Cardiff visit: Gate www.usdaw.org.uk/join Business Park, Unit 10, Foundation, and chimes with the n n of 15 years in a wide range of roles www.usdaw.org.uk/T4BPor call 0800 030 80or General30Oak call Tree Court, Secretary:0800 Mulberry Drive, Paddy030 Pontprennau Lillis 80 CF23 8RS President:30 Amy Murphy having previously served as the cih.org/tyfutai or call 0800 030 80 30 the health system in Northern ABPI’s ambition to put patients n Divisional Officer: Nick Ireland within the pharmaceutical industry. n General Secretary: Paddy Lillis n General President:General Secretary: Secretary: Amy Paddy Murphy Lillis Paddy n President: Lillis Amy nMurphy President: Amy Murphy Association’s Director for Lifelong Ireland; represented ABPI at the heart of everything we do, n Divisional Divisional Officer: Office: Nick Ireland Cardiff Gate Business Park, Unit 10, n Divisional Officer: Nick Ireland n Divisional Officer: Nick Ireland n Learning, Leisure and Information To join Usdaw visit: Divisional Oak Tree Office: Court, Cardiff Mulberry Gate Business Drive, Park, Unit Pontprennau 10, CF23 8RS strategically at both the European developing and delivering medicines Mike Hedges AMn www.usdaw.org.uk/join n Oak Divisional Tree Court, MulberryOffice: Drive, CardiffPontprennau Gate CF23 8RSBusiness Park, Unit 10, Divisional Office: Cardiff Gate Business Park, Unit 10, since 2002. which can have the most impact on Oak Tree Court, Mulberry Drive, Pontprennau Oak Tree Court,CF23 8RS Mulberry Drive, Pontprennau CF23 8RS Federation of Pharmaceutical or call 0800 030 80 30 What are the biggest people’s health and wellbeing. Mike Hedges AM has produced a Industries and Associations (EFPIA) n General Secretary: Paddy Lillis n President: Amy Murphy challenges facing Wales in and the International Federation shortn pamphletDivisional Officer: on Nick “Developing Ireland the healthcare and economic Welshn Divisional economy Office: by Cardiff learning Gate Business the Park, Unit 10, of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers lessons Oak from Tree Court, successful Mulberry Drive, areas” Pontprennau . The CF23 8RS development? and Associations (IFPMA); and now pamphlet looks at Mannheim in working with a UK Government The challenges are similar to those Germany and Aarhus in Denmark, facing Brexit, and what may be the faced elsewhere – with an ageing then it considers Science Parks and greatest logistical supply challenge population and a continued squeeze Cities as economic drivers. Available of the last few decades, or more. on www.mikehedges.org.uk/ or by on public spending. We want to emailing mike.hedges@assembly. work with the Welsh Government, Every day is different. wales NHS Wales and the third sector to address the health needs of people

30 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 31 the last word: Victoria Winckler Brexit, shopping lists and undercurrents

Victoria Winckler, Director of the Bevan Foundation, reflects on the articles in this issue of Exchange and says that the building blocks of a fair and prosperous Wales are in reach.

e’ve compiled this Welsh public life has been described issue of Exchange in a as ‘boring’ and lacking ambition. For time of extraordinary sure, we don’t have the some of the Wpolitical uncertainty, personalities found in UK politics 9am - 1pm | The Orangery, Margam Park where nobody, not even the Prime and rarely have headline-grabbing Minister, appears to have much idea drama. Political party manifestos Book online: bevanfoundation.org/events/social-rent what will happen come 29th March. tend to be dry and modest reads, We could almost guarantee that short on the ideologies that anything we published on Brexit permeate UK party manifestos. would be out of date before this to ensure that curriculum reform But in my many years of editing issue reaches you. does not disadvantage the least the Bevan Foundation’s magazine, There’s another reason for well-off children; legislation to I am struck by the quality, richness excluding articles on Brexit, beyond establish a right to housing; urgent and sheer practicality of thought in publication deadlines. And that is changes to Universal Credit and the articles included in this issue. Make a Stand Cymru: Housing’s role in ending that Brexit isn’t the only challenge closing loopholes in council tax and Boring? Not in content, no. Lacking ahead. As this issue of Exchange business rate regulations. These ambition? Arguably more like realistic. domestic abuse and sexual violence shows so vividly, too many people are all practical changes that are There really is a rich seam here. are living in poverty, growing urgently needed to improve the lives The point of Exchange, as with numbers are homeless, some of everyone in Wales, but especially everything the Bevan Foundation Conference and exhibition, 26 March 2019 - Cardiff children are struggling to keep low-income households. does, is not just to be an outlet for up at school and many disabled Interestingly, across the articles good writing or even good ideas. Examining the critical role of housing services in delivering people cannot get the care they there’s an undercurrent of calls Our aim is to achieve prosperity, the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual need. These challenges will carry on for changes in how government is equality and justice for everyone Violence (Wales) Act, which requires partnership working to irrespective of Brexit or the terms of ‘done’. The four contributors to the in Wales. That of course needs prevent these forms of violence and abuse. any deal. On these and many other article on hopes for the new First effective policies and legislation, issues, domestic policy and legislation, Minister’s government ask for more as well as investment in the right be it by the UK Government or Welsh respect, more partnership, better infrastructure and services. It also Confirmed speakers: Government, are key. delivery and co-ordination, and needs robust implementation The First Minister’s article makes a for greater accountability. Similar that involves people in changes Jim Strang, Nicola Sharp-Jeffs, Dr Roxanna Dehaghani, president, CIH author and economic School of Law and Politics, welcome commitment to mitigating themes emerge in other articles too that affect them. And it needs a abuse expert Cardiff University the worst effects of poverty by – Luca Calafanti and Joe Earle write vibrant democratic system that focusing on bread and butter issues. about the need for a ‘paradigm shift’ holds people and organisations to The First Minister has pledged to in economic development; Rhian account. These issues and more take a number of actions, including Davies, Derek Walker and Ansley are ably explored in this issue. #makeastand extending provision for children Workman all write about the change We hope that you are both in school holidays. However there in mindset needed to put people in informed and inspired, and look cih.org/makeastand is no shortage of items on the control of the services they need, forward to working with you in the shopping lists of other contributors. and Suzy Davies AM makes a plea for coming months and years, whatever [email protected] 029 2076 5760 cih.org/cymru These include a call for investment greater diversity in politics. Brexit may bring.

32 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2019 Q

L

P

K

O

I

N

J M

H

15-18 AUGUST. BRECON BEACANS, WALES

FOUR TET FATHER IDLES SHARON (LIVE) JAHN MISTY VAN ETTEN BROKEN SACIAL SCENE B STEREALAB AMADAU & MARIAM B MARIBOU STATE B KHRUANGBIN CAR SEAT HEADREST B WHITNEY B BIG THIEF RICHARD THAMPSON B ALDOUS HARDING EZRA COLLECTIVE B GWENNO B STEVE MASON B SONS AF KEMET THE COMET IS CAMING B LEE FIELDS & THE EXPRESSIANS JULIA JACKLIN B FOXWARREN B JESCA HGP B JAMES YORKSTAN BRIDGET ST JOHN B TINY RUINS B PICTISH TRAIL DURAND JONES & THE INDICATIANS B ANAIS MITCHELL MEIC STEVENS B STELLA DONNELLY B AVI BUFFALO NILÜFER YANYA B SKINNY PELEMBE B PIGS X 7 A CERTAIN RATIO B BODEGA B STEALING SHEEP B HEN OGLEDD WILLIE J HEALEY B ANNA ST LOUIS B MAPACHE THE MAUSKOVIC DANCE BAND B AUDIOBGKS JAMES HEATHER B BEABADGBEE B TAMINO B CHLAE FOY TVAM B SQUID B PENELOPE ISLES B MALENA ZAVALA B POTTERY ART SCHGL GIRLFRIEND B GRIMM GRIMM GWENIFER RAYMOND B BLACK CAUNTRY NEW RAAD B SCALPING CHAPPAQUA WRESTLING B JUST MUSTARD B PIG PARRIDGE RADIO B MALLY PAYTON B POZI PLUS LAADS MORE MUSIC, LITERATURE, LAUGHS, ART, SCIENCE & FILM!

TICKETS AN SALE NOW! THE GUARDIAN GREENMAN.NET THE INDEPENDENT