Spring 2020 Wales’ best policy and politics magazine

Sally Holland Children educated outside school Ruth Coombs Our duty to reduce poverty Hywel Ceri Jones Disability and Brexit

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Nature is under threat The Outdoor Partnership Mae Cronfa Gymunedol y Loteri Genedlaethol and it’s time yn cefnogi pobl a chymunedau i ffynnu. to take action. The National Lottery Community Fund supports people and communities to thrive. Keep Wales Tidy is excited to launch our Local Places for Nature scheme Diolch i’r Loteri Genedlaethol, Thanks to National Lottery funding – a brand-new initiative that aims to galluogwyd inni wobrwyo 662 o we awarded 662 grants to groups create, restore and enhance hundreds of grantiau i grwpiau yng Nghymru in Wales last year, which totalled llynedd, buddsoddiad o £28.4 miliwn £28.4 million investment into habitats across Wales. i gymunedau ledled Cymru. communities across Wales. Applications are now open to Os hoffech wybod mwy am ein community organisations looking to grantiau yng Nghymru cysylltwch â ni: help reverse nature’s decline @CronGymYLG If you want to know more about our funding in Wales get in touch at: @TNLComFundWales Visit www.keepwalestidy.cymru/nature 0300 123 0735 for more information cronfagymunedolylg.org.uk tnlcommunityfund.org.uk CONTENTS: SPRING 2020 Wales’ best policy and politics magazine

Dan Bristow Jennie Bibbings Guto Ifan 4 Citizen voice in health and 7 Improving security for renters 10 The end of austerity? social care

2 Education: Sally Holland 13 Economy: Karen Davies 22 Arts & Culture: Challenges faced by children Why work doesn’t pay for Catherine Fookes and young people receiving self-employed people Film Review: Knock Down education other than at school the House 14 Climate Emergency: 24 Bevan Foundation News 4 Health: Dan Bristow Jeremy Smith Citizen voice in health Working towards Welsh renewable 26 Subscriber News and social care energy targets

28 Spotlight: Sue Husband 6 Health: Nesta Lloyd-Jones 15 Environment: Mike Hedges AM Director, Business in the Meeting the NHS’s unique challenges The air we breathe Community Cymru

7 Housing: Jennie Bibbings 16 Poverty: Revd Ruth Coombs

Improving security for renters Our duty to reduce poverty Wales’ best policy and politics magazine

8 Housing: Claire Budden 17 Poverty: Peter Tutton Aiming for zero evictions Preventing problem debt

10 Public Spending: Guto Ifan 18 Culture: Abigail Scott Paul The end of austerity? Culture helps us find common ground 12 Economy: Russell George AM The Valleys Taskforce – is it working 20 Equality: Hywel Ceri Jones and what do we do next? Brexit and disabled people Bevan Foundation 145a High Street, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8DP Tel. 01685 350 938 [email protected] The views in articles, advertisements and news items in Exchange are those of the contributors www.bevanfoundation.org and are not necessarily shared or endorsed by Bevan Foundation Trustees, staff or other subscribers. All articles are copyright Bevan Foundation. bevanfoundation

Spring 2020 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 1 EDUCATION: SALLY HOLLAND

Challenges faced by children and young people receiving education other than at school

Sally Holland, Children’s Commissioner for Wales, explores the barriers faced by children who are educated outside of school and the action needed to ensure all children and young people reach their full potential, wherever they are educated.

ducation Other Than at School (EOTAS) is a term that includes lots of types of Eeducation provided by and paid for by the state. For some children this could be home tuition, for example due to physical or mental health issues. Other children may have struggled to thrive in a mainstream setting, or they may have been excluded from a school and these children and young people might be receiving EOTAS provision in a Pupil Referral Unit or they could be following vocational courses outside of school settings. Some young people will be receiving several different types of provision simultaneously. Education other than at school (EOTAS) doesn’t include children who are not registered with any state provided education and who are being educated at home by their families. This is classified in Wales as home education and families meet receiving EOTAS has continuously amongst children educated the financial costs of this risen in recent years, and some outside school. themselves. This is an important children are more likely than others Although some children thrive distinction and this article focusses to be educated outside of a school. in EOTAS provision, this group can solely on EOTAS provision in Boys, children from poorer be are more vulnerable than most Wales and not children who backgrounds and children with other learners to not receiving are home educated. additional learning needs are all their rights to a full education that The number of pupils in Wales disproportionately represented enables them to fulfil their potential.

2 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2020 My office has the power to Rights of the Child. investigate individual cases As part of the UN Convention on where families or professionals Children and the Rights of the Child, children and are concerned about a child not young people young people have the right to a say receiving their rights, such as their in the decisions that affect them and rights to appropriate education. receiving also to appropriate information, so There are examples from our EOTAS need to they have the tools to make casework over the last four years informed decisions about their that illustrate that EOTAS provision have equitable education. My office has been of a high standard can be highly opportunities informed of children and young beneficial and valuable for many people receiving EOTAS who don’t children, in fact for some children to children in feel listened to or able to take part it can have a hugely positive impact in decision making and they don’t on their lives. mainstream know why particular decisions But this isn’t the case for all. education. have been made. Often children’s needs are not being Isolation of young people is met in terms of mental health or another big concern. Some children additional learning needs and this and young people are being taught has led to children not being able provision demonstrate that the at home for extended periods of to settle in their mainstream school obligation to provide a suitable time. While home tuition is valuable, but rather than a different provision education, as well as the obligation it must be kept under constant being made available immediately to children’s rights to education, are review as a child taught on their children are waiting for long periods not being fulfilled by local authorities own is potentially missing out from before their educational needs are at present for all children and young important social interactions and met. My office has heard some people receiving EOTAS. their wider participatory rights. shocking figures from casework. I am also aware of issues with the My office has heard about one One family was told that their child courses available. Sometimes young child who was taught in was number 447 on a waiting list for courses are designed as short-term isolation for two years, an autism assessment, and another placements and young people can unnecessarily. After an intervention family was told of a 14-month wait end up repeating the same courses from my office they were provided for neurodevelopmental assessment, again and again. A young person with a placement with other children and in these cases this wait had a supported by my office took part in within weeks. negative effect on their education. multiple placements focusing on Welsh language provision is also Children’s rights to an education outdoor and practical learning. lacking across Wales for children should not be delayed because they The young person felt that they taught in EOTAS settings; young are waiting for a diagnosis. were repeating the same learning people often don’t have the In 2016, Estyn recommended that and were not getting the education opportunity to continue their local authorities should ‘provide in literacy and numeracy sufficient learning through the medium of pupils with suitable education within for their future goals. Welsh, even if it’s their first language. 15 days of a decision being made Estyn’s 2016 report shows the It is clear that there are a large that they should receive EOTAS’ after experience of this young person is number of barriers facing children finding that this was not being met not unique, drawing attention to and young people in Wales receiving for every young person. Gaps in the lack of a broad and balanced EOTAS provision. Children and curriculum for many children and young people receiving EOTAS need young people receiving EOTAS. to have equitable opportunities to Some children Estyn notes that ‘Overall, EOTAS children in mainstream education, provision does not give pupils the and that their human rights under and young people same access to their education the UN Convention on the Rights of aren’t being offered entitlements as their peers’, that the the Child are respected. This means curriculum is restricted, and that giving them adequate support to learning which courses are ‘not challenging develop their talents and skills to enough’. Children and young their optimum potential and is flexible people aren’t always being offered respecting their right to participate or meaningful learning which is flexible or in decisions that affect their lives. meaningful to them and this is a It’s crucial that amongst vast to them. clear violation of children’s rights educational reforms the rights of under the UN Convention on the these children are not forgotten.

Spring 2020 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 3 HEALTH: DAN BRISTOW Citizen voice in health and social care

Dan Bristow, Director of Policy and Practice at the Wales Centre for Public Policy, says that a public say in health and care services matters.

hat’s the role of the public in Welsh health and social care The aspiration should be that we are all able Wsystem? To those to understand the answer to the question: who don’t live and breathe policy discussions, this may seem an odd what is the role of the public in the Welsh question. Of course, the public fund health and social care system? it through taxation, and are the ‘users’ of the services that it provides. But beyond this? The last twelve months have seen future of health systems, this that with this kind of service a number of issues hit the headlines articulates a shift towards reconfiguration there is value in that speak to the need for, and the community-based care models, and engaging the public. Of course, even challenges of, effective public a more preventative approach. when engagement is done well, the engagement. Two stand out. First, As part of this, the idea is that the change may still be controversial. the recent protests around the public are more engaged, playing a I would be surprised, for example, planned closure of A&E at the Royal greater role in a number of areas: if the closure of an A&E service Glamorgan. And second, the way in managing their own health and didn’t always trigger negative the which the concerns of patients wellbeing; co-designing the care headlines and some kind of political (and of staff) about maternity that they receive; supporting the push back. services in Cwm Taf took so long redesigning of services and But being transparent with the to filter through to the Board and potentially their reconfiguration; and public about why a change is to leaders in NHS Wales and the in thinking about how society necessary; securing buy-in from Welsh Government. handles the grand challenges that staff who can then act as advocates Both cases could be read as an the system faces. In short – a (or at least not oppose) the change; argument for greater involvement of fundamental realignment of the and engaging the public on their the public in the running of the NHS. relationship between citizens and concerns and how these might be And in fact the Welsh Government’s the health and care service. addressed can all help to improve plan for health and care envisages At the Wales Centre for Public the outcome. the public playing a much greater Policy we recently published a report In the case of Cwm Taf, the role in both the future of the health – Public Engagement and ‘A implications both for the Health and care system and in the process Healthier Wales’ – in which we Board, and the wider governance of getting there. sought to review the evidence base system are still playing out. But A Healthier Wales, published in around each of these, and reflect on central to the work that has been 2018, outlines a long-term plan for what this means for the ambitions done to address the issues identified health and social care. In line with articulated in the plan. (and to rebuild trust with the how developed countries around In the example of an A&E closure, community) has been a programme the world are thinking about the the evidence we reviewed is clear of public engagement. Again, this is

4 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2020 born out in the evidence. Involving Government is proposing to new citizen voice body will have patients and the public in the resolve this through developing a no such role. process of service design can help detailed ‘code of practice’ which What is clear from our work, is that improve the resulting service. will outline how the body will be the voice of public is valuable both In terms of the wider governance able to arrange visits to different to the design and to the scrutiny of system, the role of the public has settings. services. Of course, the new body been a key part of the current The loss of the role in scrutinising needn’t play these roles. There are Senedd debates around the Health service change has received less other organisations that can ensure and Social Care Quality and attention. At the moment, CHCs that this happens, and there are Engagement Bill. If, as seems likely, have a formal role in shaping Health Boards who have impressive this legislation passes, it would changes in health service provision and effective programme of replace the existing seven in their area. Regulations dictate engagement to support this. Community Health Councils with a that Health Boards need to work What will be important, however, single national citizen voice body with their CHC to ensure that the is that there is clarity about this. As it covering health and care. Apart from views of patients and public are stands, there are a number of bodies expanding the remit to social care, taken into account. As it stands, the who, in different ways, have the main difference will be that the responsibility for engaging the public new body will not have the same on health and care issues. The inspection powers currently held by creation of a new organisation in a CHCs nor will it have a duty to The voice of complex system, like health and scrutinise service change. social care, offers the potential for Most of the discussion around public is valuable greater clarity but also the risk of these changes has focused on the the opposite. inspection powers – whether the both to the design Ultimately, the aspiration should new body should have the right to and to the scrutiny be that we are all able to understand access all care settings, when in the answer to the question: what is some cases this will be a person’s of services. the role of the public in the Welsh home. As it stands, the Welsh health and social care system?

Spring 2020 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 5 HEALTH: NESTA LLOYD-JONES Meeting the NHS’s unique challenges

The NHS in Wales is charting a new course to meet its unique challenges, says Nesta Lloyd-Jones, Assistant Director of the Welsh NHS Confederation.

he NHS in Wales is at achieve what leaders within the NHS the start of a journey to have been calling out for. It aims to transform services from help us all live healthily for longer Tthose which treat people at and therefore reducing the pressures the point they need care, to services on the health and care system. which prevent ill health, make early We are starting to see the green interventions and support people in shoots of that transformation now. their communities. This approach, Community pharmacists can treat over time, will help reduce pressure and test sore throats without the on our emergency departments and need for a GP appointment. other NHS settings to benefit deliver high quality care for the Advanced Paramedic Practitioners everyone in Wales so we can stay majority of patients. But this is also can now prevent unnecessary happy, healthy and independent for why it is so important we change the admissions to hospital by providing longer. The NHS is now over 70 way we deliver health services now. clinical leadership. And ‘Community years old and has broadly worked in At the moment, we’re fixing leaks in Connectors’ in the most rural parts the same way since it was founded. the boat while others spring up of Wales are helping people to access Transforming the health service, around us. wellbeing services in their area. therefore, is going to be no easy Wales faces a unique set of Advancements like these are task and will not happen overnight. challenges. We have an aging pioneering, but we now need to This winter there have been population with more people living deliver changes like these faster multiple headlines on the pressures longer, but they are also living with and at scale. A programme of facing A&E, ambulance and social more complex health and care needs. engagement with the public is also care services across Wales, and in This also means the high-quality required in order to raise awareness many respects those headlines care people continue to receive today of the different services in our could suggest a crumbling system at cannot last while these current trends communities. We need to support breaking point. However, when you in our population persist. and empower the public to manage scratch beneath the surface, this isn’t When the Welsh Government their own health and provide an the whole story. This year’s National published their long-term plan for environment which is conducive to Survey for Wales highlighted that health and social care, A Healthier their health and wellbeing now and nearly 80 per cent of people were Wales, in June 2018, it set an in the future. We know this is satisfied with the care they received ambitious vision and a new direction something the NHS cannot do alone. at hospital and 93 per cent were of travel. It said that we must Over the last year we’ve seen satisfied with the care they received develop integrated services, working enough evidence across health and at GP practices. more closely than ever before with social care to prove we’re on the Despite incredible pressure, there our partners in local government, right track but now it’s time for us to is plenty of evidence to suggest the the wider public sector as well as the show the people of Wales what we commitment and dedication of third and voluntary sector. This can really do to transform our health frontline staff is ensuring we can still cross-sector working is designed to services for future generations.

6 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2020 HOUSING: JENNIE BIBBINGS Improving security for renters

Jennie Bibbings, Campaigns Manager at Shelter Cymru, welcomes the moves to increase security for renters, but argues the battle is not yet won.

here’s a Bill currently going for the first time in decades, real through the Senedd that protections against the all-too- has the potential to make common phenomenon of eviction Ta difference for more than to avoid dealing with disrepair. half a million people who live in There are noises from the landlord rented homes. But while the battle lobby – regulation to improve to increase renters’ security has standards will always do that – but been hard-fought, it’s not over yet. we’ve spoken to landlords who are ‘Security of tenure’ is one of those in favour of the Bill. They recognise bits of housing jargon that get that two months is not long bandied about along with the enough to up sticks, pack up your academics’ favourite, ‘ontological life, find a good home and raise the security’, to describe something that necessary finances. is actually very simple and meaningful Homelessness services are in in everyday life. It’s the right to live favour of the change because, like in your home. us, they’ve seen the fallout from too Security is the opposite of what many ‘panic moves’ where families tenants feel when they worry about have ended up in bad situations whether they can risk asking their because it was the best they could landlord yet again to fix the find in a short timeframe. bathroom leak that’s coming This Bill is necessary because through the kitchen ceiling. That unlike in the 1970s there are a great weighing up of risks – will we get number of people living in private electrocuted or will we get evicted? rented housing. They do so not out – is familiar to too many people. of choice but because ownership The knowledge that a landlord can possession is no longer a quick fix. and social renting are beyond get possession with two months’ By increasing the notice period reach. But even though this notice, without having to justify from the current two months to six, particular pendulum is finally why, hangs over tenants’ lives as it will give tenants a more realistic starting to swing towards tenants, a continual reminder not to get length of time to plan their move. let’s be clear: ending ‘no fault’ too comfortable. The other routes to possession are entirely and with it the use of fixed After years of campaigning for intact, so that if there have been term tenancies is the only way to tenants at Shelter Cymru, we’ve serious rent arrears or anti-social give tenants true security in their finally had some success. behaviour the landlord is perfectly home. We still face huge challenges The current Bill won’t completely able to gain possession (with much to improve housing conditions, remove landlords’ rights to evict shorter notice periods) as long as challenge discrimination and without giving a reason, but it will they provide evidence. This will enforce the law on illegal evictions. ensure that the ‘no fault’ route to ensure proper judicial oversight and, The battle continues.

Spring 2020 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 7 HOUSING: CLAIRE BUDDEN

Aiming for zero evictions

Claire Budden, Chief Executive of ClywdAlyn Housing, explains why they’re ending evictions from their homes.

f we are serious about ending arrears. We have appointed an Early homelessness in Wales, then as Intervention Officer who focuses on housing providers we must The majority of all new tenancies and who works Iconsider where we can have the evictions simply with tenants who have modest most significant impact and what we arrears to prevent them escalating. can do better for people and move the tenant Our Welfare Rights Team has been communities. That might mean down the road – refocused on providing priority tearing up the rule books and referrals for people who are in getting rid of traditional approaches the underlying arrears, and our Crisis Fund enables which are now outdated. issue is rarely housing officers and other frontline Some evictions are, of course, staff to use this money for any unavoidable. But in the majority of addressed. tenant who is in financial hardship. cases they simply move the problem This can be used for a multitude of down the road. Another provider or needs, from repairing a vehicle to agency picks up the tenant and the evictions from social housing enable the tenant to get to work, to cost, and the underlying issue is into homelessness. purchasing travel cards, to providing rarely addressed. Our experience of moving towards carpets or white goods. In cases where people are evicted a zero evictions approach has been We’ve also reviewed our approach into homelessness, we exchange a positive one. Overall evictions are to income collection, with new case short-term challenge for a long- down 85 per cent on last year with management software and a project term calamity. Individuals and only three evictions for rent arrears with Voicescape that will contact all families come back into the system this year. tenants with low-level arrears and as a more complex and expensive Where possible we’ve looked for missed payments. Our income case. Operationally and financially positive solutions. For example, we officers now run arrears meetings the approach makes little sense. recently had to take possession where they discuss all cases where And that’s without considering the proceedings for a tenant in a four- emotional and mental health impact. bedroom property where we faced In April 2019 we launched our new a number of issues including non- mission for ClwydAlyn that centres payment of rent. The property was Our approach around ending poverty. One of our much bigger than he needed so we first acts was to set a new target of found him another smaller and more is focused on working towards no evictions. suitable property which we know prevention and In October that year, the Welsh will also help him to alleviate some Government set out its own strategy of his issues with family members. on acting quickly with the aim that homelessness is Operationally, we’ve switched our to address rare, brief and unrepeated. It was approach so that it is now much good to see the call for a pact more focused on prevention and on low-level arrears. between providers to ensure no acting quickly to address low-level

8 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2020 we are not getting engagement void properties, lost rent, repairs from a tenant. We work together and reletting costs and legal costs. with teams across the business to Evictions are down Now we are starting to look at share knowledge of the tenant, 85 per cent on how we can end evictions from make enquiries about other agencies temporary accommodation, where and look for ways that we can last year with some of the most vulnerable people understand an individual’s only three evictions in our communities live. We know circumstances. We have had a that in these properties, behaviours high rate of initial success with for rent arrears can be challenging and the this approach. threshold for evictions is much We are also nearing the end of a this year. lower. However, the same issues pilot project where income officers apply. We can’t keep moving people have reversed the way that they down the road and making them work. They now focus on tenants If a tenancy ends with an eviction, someone else’s problem. While with relatively small arrears instead a review of the case takes place to there was more money for housing of those with the highest debt. look at what we could have done delivery in the latest budget, calls Prior to any eviction being differently and whether there were for an increase to the Housing authorised, a final face to face visit options to provide support at a Support Grant to enable local between the tenant and one of our much earlier stage that would have authorities to commission more senior officers is arranged to see enabled us to resolve issues. housing-related support services what we can do to avoid possession Looking ahead, we want to reduce have not yet been met. This must proceedings. If we reach the end of the three evictions this year to zero be reviewed in the future. our options and we are at the point next year. The reduction this year Homelessness is one of the of making a warrant application, shows that our approach is working. shameful challenges facing our we identify an alternative housing We believe that in the longer term generation. At ClwydAlyn we think option for the tenant should the any additional resources needed will we are developing a credible plan eviction go ahead. be more than covered by savings on to show leadership in tackling it.

Spring 2020 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 9 PUBLIC SPENDING: GUTO IFAN

The end of austerity?

Guto Ifan, research associate at the Wales Governance Centre, asks if recent public spending decisions herald the end of austerity.

ales’ public finances spending on public services next and public services year will be around three per cent face a period of When we emerge below its 2010-11 level in real terms Wunprecedented from the crisis, the on a like-for-like basis. If we account uncertainty. Brexit stasis and a for Wales’ growing population, on general election had already delayed fiscal mistakes of a a per-person basis the Welsh publication of firm spending plans decade ago should Government’s spending power by the UK government. When a will remain six per cent below its budget was finally delivered, it not be repeated. 2010-11 level. coincided with a global pandemic Over the course of the decade, which will throw budget plans and the Welsh population has also aged the forecasts that underpinned them However, claims of an “end to significantly, with the population totally off-course. austerity” for the Welsh budget need over 65 increasing by over a fifth The first half of the UK’s 2020 to be put in the context of previously since 2010. Controlling for inflation, Budget, delivered on 11 March, implemented cuts, increasing cost population growth and the costs set out the UK government’s initial and demand pressures, and the associated with an ageing fiscal response to the coronavirus uncertain outlook for all of Wales’ population – on an ‘age-adjusted outbreak. At the time, the £12 billion public services. per-capita’ measure – spending will of extra spending and tax cuts remain around eight per cent below seemed substantial and Day-to-day spending on pre-austerity levels. proportional. The measures were public services quickly superseded by a much larger Recent years have seen a significant Health and the rest response, and at the time of writing, loosening of the UK’s fiscal rules and The consequences of the decade- the crisis will likely require further fiscal policy, which along with long squeeze on public finances are fiscal actions over coming weeks significant upward revisions in the best illustrated when we look at and months. public finances, have led to spending outside of the NHS. The crisis comes after a decade of increased planned spending by the The Welsh Government’s budget public spending restraint, initiated UK government. Funding increases for 2020-21 contained real term at the “emergency budget” of June for the NHS and schools in England increases in funding for all main 2010. In the second half of his first transformed the path of the Welsh expenditure groups. However, in budget, Rishi Sunak became the Government’s budget for day-to- most areas, this increase will barely third successive chancellor to day spending. reverse a fraction of previously declare an end to austerity, The Welsh Government 2020-21 implemented cuts. Non-NHS announcing increased budgets for Final Budget, set in February 2020, spending will remain around 13 all government departments for next represented the largest increase in per cent below 2010-11 levels in year and a huge boost in capital day-to-day spending for well over real terms. spending as part of a plan to “level up” a decade. Total support for local authorities underperforming economic regions. However, on current plans, fell by almost £1 billion in today’s

10 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2020 prices between 2010-11 and 2018- 19, before recovering slightly this year and next. In the face of falling revenues, local authorities prioritised social services and – to a lesser extent – education. Spending on non-protected areas has in some cases been halved, re-shaping the role of local government and the range of public services it could offer. Regressive increases to council tax levels mitigated some of the cuts, but at an increasing cost to the disposable incomes of Welsh households. Unlike in other UK countries, the Welsh NHS was famously not spared from cuts over the first years of austerity. Since 2012-13, NHS spending increased by an average of 2.3 per cent a year and was planned to be around 16 per cent higher in real terms next year compared to 2010-11. Its share of day-to-day spending increased from 42 per substantially below pre-austerity cent to 48 per cent. levels. Reversing austerity across the However, even the relatively Wales’ public Welsh budget would require generous settlements awarded finances and public substantially more spending by the to the health service over the last UK government, or extensive use of decade pale in comparison to services face a period limited devolved fiscal levers. historic growth in health spending. of unprecedented The effects of the coronavirus and Uplifts averaged six per cent a year the fiscal response will result in far in Wales over the first decade of uncertainty. greater fiscal deficits for the UK devolution and has averaged 3.6 per government than forecast by the cent a year across the UK since the Office for Budget Responsibility, as formation of the NHS in the 1940s. to boost spending on public should be the case in times of crisis. All but around seven per cent of services and to allow rates relief When we emerge from the crisis, the real terms increase in health for businesses next year. the fiscal mistakes of a decade ago spending since 2010-11 will have For the first time, the UK budget should not be repeated. Cutting gone towards costs associated with also set a total ‘envelope’ for public spending during the recession a growing and ageing population. departmental spending to 2023-24. delayed economic recovery and Health costs tend to rise as On these plans, making assumptions caused a myriad of social hardships. technological advances enables about the distribution of spending Austerity may have come to an more medical treatments – a key across UK government departments end, but its effects will continue. factor in why health spending has and the consequential allocation for From a shortage of hospital beds to grown as a share of the economy Wales, we estimate that day-to-day depleted local authority workforces, over time. Before the likely increase spending in the Welsh budget would the ability of our public services to associated with coronavirus, increase by around 2.1 per cent on respond effectively to this crisis has planned health spending as a share average to 2023-24. By 2024-25, been impaired by previously of Welsh GDP was barely above spending would be around five per implemented cuts. 2010-11 levels. cent higher than 2010-11 levels. The long-term political and This increased funding will allow economic impact of the coronavirus An uncertain future the Welsh Government to grow are unknowable. But we will eventually The UK budget and subsequent health spending in line with recent need an honest conversation about measures to dampen the impact trends. Other areas of the budget the level of public services we want of coronavirus will provide further may increase slightly in real terms, to see in Wales and how we resources for the Welsh Government but non-NHS spending will remain adequately fund them.

Spring 2020 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 11 ECONOMY: RUSSELL GEORGE AM

The Valleys Taskforce – is it working and what do we do next?

Russell George, Chair of the Assembly’s Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee, talks about scrutinising the Welsh Government’s effort to stimulate the economy in the south Wales valleys.

olding the Welsh working with and adding Government to account value to other economic for its economic development initiatives, as well Hdevelopment policies is as how it is addressing ingrained the bread and butter of the Economy, gender inequality. Infrastructure and Skills Committee. Four years is not long to try to The Committee has recently spent a reverse decades of economic lot of time looking at the Welsh stagnation, deprivation and poverty, Government’s Bus Services (Wales) but we are keen to identify any Bill, but that is only a small element short-term measures that could of the Committee’s work. deliver positive outcomes before Other recent work has included the Taskforce disbands next March. close examination of how Transport We are also hoping to influence the for Wales is delivering its vision to Welsh Government’s forthcoming transform rail services. We’ve also economic strategy for the Heads of looked at Regional Skills Partnerships the Valleys. We’ll be looking to make and identified roles they could play recommendations where changes in addressing the low skills traps that are needed, and what should be inhibit innovation and stop prioritised by the next Welsh employers from investing in a Government. The Bevan highly-skilled workforce. Valleys community. Foundation’s recent report We’ve questioned if government Some valleys communities face ‘Prosperous Valleys, Resilient is fully taking advantage of public deep-rooted and long-standing Communities’ explored these issues, procurement to generate economic and social challenges. and we are looking forward to community wealth. By leveraging The Taskforce was set up as a speaking to a range of people and the foundational economy, public catalyst for delivering regeneration groups with a vested interest in the procurement spending can be used and sustainable growth in order to Taskforce’s goals. to maintain and create jobs where address these issues. We are asking Our public consultation is open people currently live and nurture whether the Taskforce’s specific until 9 April and I hope everyone vibrant communities. policy initiatives are delivering with an interest in securing a Currently we are carrying out an successful outcomes to help prosperous future for the valleys inquiry into the performance of the create sustainable growth and will give us their views. Valleys Taskforce. This kicked off reduce poverty. in February and will run until the We’re looking at a number of summer. We have already held our areas, including whether activities You can follow or participate public consultation and will soon and projects are being targeted in in all the Committee’s work be engaging with local people and the areas that most need it. We hope @SeneddEIS @SeneddESS plan to hold a formal meeting in a to reveal how well the Taskforce is

12 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2020 ECONOMY: KAREN DAVIES Why work doesn’t pay for self-employed people

Universal Credit is supposed to make work pay, but holds back self-employed people, says founder and Chief Executive of the charity Purple Shoots, Karen Davies.

urple Shoots supports the but aren’t sure what level of work ‘hidden entrepreneurs” in they could manage. They should Welsh communities. They be able to try without jeopardising Phave been written off by all their hard-won benefits. other funders because their credit The final problem is stigma. score is not good enough or The view that people on benefits because they have no cash to put are lazy and scroungers is widely into their business or assets for held. In six years of working with security. We have proved that all that benefits claimants, I have never met is needed for people to flourish is an anyone who wanted to be in that opportunity and some funds. But all position. They all wanted to be too often, it is the benefits system independent, to be using their skills which prevents them from starting and to have the dignity of earning a business and which sometimes equivalent of Job Seekers’ Allowance their own money. Many of them derails them once they are and three months at half that rate. feel crushed by the negative operating. While it has some Yet few new businesses can deliver attitudes towards them. strengths, there are flaws in their owner a meaningful income So whilst we battle on to get Universal Credit that need to be after only three months. some of the barriers addressed, addressed before it can encourage Enterprise Allowance can be one thing everyone can do is people to work. supplemented by Universal Credit, change the narrative around people This is often seen with savings. with payments tapering as income in poverty. Most of them are people A claimant can hold only a minimal from the business increases. This is with skills and aspirations in need amount of savings before their fine, although a bit disheartening as of opportunity and respect. benefits are reduced, encouraging there is no reward for business him or her to spend any savings success. The real problem arises above the threshold. This means it is after 12 months when Universal Purple Shoots is a registered impossible for someone who want Credit assumes that the business charity and a Responsible to start a business to save up funds can pay its owner the minimum Finance Provider, working to to invest or to provide a cushion for wage and is reduced accordingly. tackle unemployment, social their families when times are tough. This can cause great hardship and isolation and financial exclusion The Enterprise Allowance Scheme frequently results in business failure. through the provision of small is a good concept, but entrepreneurs The five week wait for Universal ethical loans to enable people have only a limited window in which Credit works against people trying to start businesses and self- to prepare their business. At the end out a new business because if it fails reliant groups to enable people of that period they have to start up, the entrepreneur has no income for to move towards income ready or not. Enterprise Allowance a long time. This is particularly an generation and community payments do not last for nearly long issue for people with long-term action. www.purpleshoots.org enough – three months at the health conditions who want to work

Spring 2020 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 13 CLIMATE EMERGENCY: JEREMY SMITH

Working towards Welsh renewable energy targets

Wales currently generates approximately half of its electricity consumption from renewables but Jeremy Smith, Head of Development Strategy (Wales) at Innogy Renewables UK Ltd, asks what will it take to reach Government’s ambition to reach net zero by 2050?

ales has a strong We are also working with Community wind resource, long Energy Wales to deliver local shared coastline, a skilled ownership for an onshore Wworkforce and a track- development project in north Wales. record as an innovator in renewable Shared ownership with local energy, attributes that provide us communities is a great way both to with the opportunity to lead on deliver local benefits and enable decarbonisation and respond with communities to engage with a urgency to the climate crisis. project throughout its lifecycle, Success depends on addressing a whilst maintaining the high level of number of challenges. investment needed to meet Wales’ grid network needs serious renewables targets. innogy wants review. We are pleased to see that to foster links with local authorities the National Infrastructure which host wind farm projects to Commission intends to examine explore investment and ownership how the lack of electricity grid is opportunities – partnerships that are constraining the growth of commonplace on the continent. renewables and consider solutions. We were pleased to explore some Grid upgrade, especially in Mid of these themes at a recent Bevan Wales, is needed to ensure that Foundation seminar on renewable communities in rural Wales can Taller turbines with longer blades energy and local benefits. benefit from a future where heat and capture more energy, and in a policy Whilst the consenting regime in transport are decarbonised. Lack of environment where it’s unlikely that Wales is now more streamlined for electricity grid infrastructure also many future onshore wind projects renewables, Welsh Ministers need hampers economic development, will be subsidised, the financial to ensure that the policies of the with companies who might viability of the industry – and the forthcoming National Development otherwise have based manufacturing Welsh Government’s ability to Framework are as enabling and operations in mid Wales being meet its decarbonisation targets – ambitious as possible. forced to invest elsewhere. depends on bigger machines that With the right investment in Wales’ onshore turbine fleets are are more efficient. infrastructure and a positive amongst the least efficient in There is a positive story on local regulatory environment, a fully Europe, operating with smaller benefit. Innogy alone will deliver decarbonised electricity system, turbines which are now being £2.2m into community projects in where shared ownership brings local phased out elsewhere. Wales’ tallest Wales this year and Brechfa Forest benefit, could be within our grasp. turbines are 145m to tip: by contrast West Wind Farm in Carmarthenshire To do this though, we need strong in Sweden nearly half of all saw approximately £40 million of political leadership and a resolve applications in planning are for the total £105 million capital that responds with urgency to the tip heights of up to 200m. expenditure spent in Wales. climate crisis.

14 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2020 ENVIRONMENT: MIKE HEDGES AM

The air we breathe

Mike Hedges, Assembly Member for Swansea East and chair of the Assembly’s Environment Committee, outlines its inquiry into air quality.

ales has some of the travel, and development of a worst air quality in the technical advisory note on air quality UK. Cardiff and Port for planners and developers. WTalbot both have The Assembly’s Climate Change, higher air pollution than Birmingham, Environment and Rural Affairs and a road in Caerphilly county Committee, of which I am chair, is borough is the most polluted undertaking an enquiry into clean outside of London. Public Health air. It aims to explore the Welsh Wales figures show that air pollution Government’s legislative proposals contributes to around 2,000 deaths relating to clean air including the in Wales each year. regulatory gaps or issues that will The primary air pollutants that need to be addressed after the UK affect health are nitrogen dioxide leaves the EU and the Welsh (NO2), ozone (O3) and other small, Government’s proposals for a Clean particulate matter. These pollutants Air Act. We are also seeking views on come from a range of sources, but the regulatory proposals in the Local the vast majority arise from the Air Quality Management regime and burning of fuels. This makes road on domestic combustion. transport the primary mobile source We have a duty to our children to of emissions, and industrial ensure that the air they breathe is combustion or production clean and is not doing them harm. processes the main static sources. We know that trees absorb pollutant Unlike the London smog of the gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, 1950s, this pollution cannot be seen sulphur dioxide and ozone) and filter but we know it is very bad for particulates out of the air by trapping people’s health. The main risk them on their leaves and bark, so occurs through the making worse of Environment, Energy and Rural planting trees in badly affected areas existing cardiovascular diseases, as Affairs made a statement in the could help. well as being a cause of asthma and Assembly on clean air. During the lung cancer. The long-term impacts statement she said she had been The committee would be of air pollution are not well working with the Minister for pleased to hear the views of understood. Children are particularly Economy and Transport on actions readers on air pollution vulnerable, meaning the effects of to address NO2 at five points on the especially their answers to the today’s air pollution may be seen motorway and trunk road network. questions above. Find out more well into the future. The effects of air She also outlined a range of other here: http://senedd.assembly. pollution disproportionately affect actions, including a commitment wales/mgConsultationDisplay. those in deprived areas. to bring forward a Clean Air Act, aspx?ID=379 On 18 June 2019, the Minister for increasing investment in active

Spring 2020 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 15 POVERTY: REVD RUTH COOMBS

Our duty to reduce poverty

Reverend Ruth Coombs, Head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission in Wales, outlines a new approach to reducing poverty and inequality.

here is a clear link between Wales were living in poverty in poverty and equality of 2013 compared to 23 per cent of outcome across all areas of the population. And four out of Tlife in Wales. Research ten lone parents, nine out of ten shows that the poverty attainment of whom are women, live below gap in Wales emerges as young as the poverty threshold. three. By the age of 14, children The incoming duty gives us a living in poverty are well behind their crucial new lever that helps join the more affluent peers. Children dots to tackling disadvantage. We at eligible for free school meals have the Commission have a role to play higher exclusion rates than others. in assisting Welsh Government and Adults living in the most deprived other public bodies to take forward areas of Wales have far lower life the duty in an effective way. And we expectancies than those living in have a role to challenge public the least deprived areas. bodies if they don’t. We want to see These statistics, from Is Wales the duty influencing budget-setting Fairer? 2018, show unfairness at and service provision in public the heart of our society. bodies so that they prioritise tackling The Equality Act 2010 made the deepest inequalities experienced provision in its Section 1 to ensure by people in Wales. that public bodies, when taking At the Equality and Human We want to ensure the duty is strategic decisions, exercise their Commission, our work is often shaped so that it is not just about functions in such a way as to reduce based around the protected process but about improving these inequalities of outcome which characteristics (such as age, people’s outcomes and making a result from socio-economic disability and race) set out in the real difference to their lives. disadvantage. But that provision – Equality Act 2010. You may be Organisations should focus on the socio-economic duty - was not surprised to know that inequalities changing people’s lives, rather than commenced by the UK Government of outcome are exacerbated when just be able to show they have ticked of the time nor by successive ones. we consider people’s protected a box. Of course, the duty is not a The Wales Act 2017 passed powers characteristics. Disabled people’s panacea. That is why we are calling over the duty’s commencement in employment rate in Wales is less for Welsh Government to take Wales to Welsh Government. And, than half that for non-disabled forward the duty as part of a wider, after calls from us and others, it is people. And disabled adults in Wales strategic approach to tackling pleasing that Welsh Government has are far more likely to be living in poverty. But the duty does offer a committed to introducing the duty. poverty than non-disabled adults new way of thinking about and Its consultation on its plans for the (32.1 per cent do so compared with reducing entrenched inequalities. duty recently closed, with the duty 22.4 per cent). Thirty-eight per cent And it is an opportunity that Wales expected to come into force this year. of people from ethnic minorities in can ill afford not to take.

16 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2020 POVERTY: PETER TUTTON

Preventing problem debt

Debt affects a quarter of people in Wales. Peter Tutton, , Head of Policy at StepChange Debt Charity, explains the underlying causes and sets out some ideas for action.

ur recent Wales in the policy makers do? Here are a Red report estimates that few thoughts. around eight per cent of The Welsh Government and local Oadults (193,000 people) authorities should build on progress living in Wales are facing severe debt to make council tax recovery fairer problems, with another sixteen per in Wales. They should deliver the cent (412,000 people) showing signs debt management standards that of financial distress. Problem debt financially vulnerable people need damages mental and physical health, and work to reduce bailiff use. shatters wellbeing and creates There is a pressing need for significant external social costs, independent regulation of bailiffs so it is vital for policy makers to enforcing council tax. understand the drivers of debt water, 27 per cent with rent, and The Welsh Government should problems for an effective prevention 22 per cent and 16 per cent for also consider ways to reduce and harm reduction strategy. electricity and gas respectively. debt-related harm as it explores Threats to the financial stability of Around two in five of our clients further devolution of social security Welsh households are common and have a negative budget – their administration and by extending widespread. Seventy per cent of income is less than expenditure access to safe, affordable credit our clients say that their financial after budget counselling. More than through its Financial Inclusion difficulties were triggered by a life two in five also have an additional programme. We’ve found that 43 event, like reduced income from vulnerability such as mental or per cent of people getting working work or benefits, illness, physical health problems that age social security support use unemployment or relationship make dealing with debt problems credit for essentials. Among our breakdown. People seeking help more challenging. clients, one in ten said they had from StepChange are The average unsecured debt of used very high cost credit or even disproportionally younger than the clients in Wales is £10,415, with loan sharks as a result of benefit population, more likely to be single credit cards, overdrafts and personal problems like the Universal Credit parents and renters. They lack the loans most common. Some 700,000 five week wait. resilience to cope with negative life people in Wales use credit to meet We urgently need to build the events and struggle with low and essential expenditure like groceries longer-term financial resilience of insecure incomes. and household bills. Using credit to single parents, young adults and Over half of our clients in Wales cope with low or reduced income is people most likely to be struggling are in arrears on at least one super risky – we found that people with household bills. People do not household bill when they seek who use credit cards or overdrafts to have the savings or safety nets to advice. More than a third, 36 per cope with an income shock were cope with common income cent, of clients with responsibility ten times more likely to have severe shocks, and so are turning to for paying council tax were in arears, debt problems than others. harmful credit to fill the gaps in 30 per cent were in arrears with So faced with all this what can household budgets.

Spring 2020 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 17 CULTURE: ABIGAIL SCOTT PAUL Culture helps us find common ground

Abigail Scott Paul, Deputy Director of Advocacy and Public Engagement at Joseph Rowntree Foundation, writes about a new photographic exhibition on poverty that is touring the UK.

t can feel like there is more that associated with poverty reinforce a divides us, than unites us; but perception that feels inauthentic and “It’s easy to lose sight culture can be a bridge to stigmatising to those people and Iunderstanding between factions, communities the images are meant of the big picture in often when language fails. It’s to represent. divided times, but something one of our collaborators, We wanted to reframe the picture Lesley Hodgson, understands. She’s of people caught in the riptide of we must find the one of the founders of Merthyr Tydfil poverty. We have worked with the common ground, Global Village, a community art photographer Jillian Edelstein and project that provides an annual people from communities up and and culture could festival. She also offers drop-in down the country to create a stunning advice alongside significant bridge series of photographs that shows the hold the key” building between local Welsh strength, resilience and hope of residents and the Portuguese and people who are working hard to Eastern European workers in a bid unlock opportunities for themselves to overcome community tensions. and others trapped in poverty. Lesley says: “We’ve got great Jillian also came up with an things happening in and around ingenious way of finding our common Merthyr – I’ve always seen it as a ground: she asked participants one place of safety, a place where simple question: “What is the one people respect each other even if thing you could not live without?” they don’t always agree. There’s so The answers reveal universal values, much potential to build a cohesive hopes and dreams that all of us can world. We just need to work at it!” identify with: love, hope and faith With this in mind, in February we are among some of the answers. launched our first public-facing Picture Britain: Our People, Our photographic exhibition Picture Poverty is our attempt to use culture Britain: Our People, Our Poverty. to find the common ground on the Using our framing research, we issue of poverty in the UK and one, can have a more effective we hope, that can start to build conversation about poverty with understanding and connection the public: we need to appeal to with more people, so that we can people’s sense of compassion and find a solution to this injustice. justice, values the British public hold The exhibition will now be touring dear. But images also matter: photos the UK so please search Picture and visual stories that are used in Britain: Our People, Our Poverty for the mainstream are powerful tools. more information: www.jrf.org.uk/ Unfortunately, many of the event/picture-britain-our-people- visual images used in the media our-poverty

18 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2020 Spring 2020 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 19 EQUALITY: HYWEL CERI JONES

Brexit and disabled people

Disability organisations must ensure their rights are not lost when Wales leaves the EU, says Hywel Ceri Jones, former Director General of social and employment policy and industrial relations at the European Commission.

he Welsh and UK public are The Convention was a truly still unaware of the likely landmark treaty and is the only UN social and economic human rights treaty which the EU Timpact of the UK’s has itself ratified to date. It includes withdrawal from the EU. This should the obligation to repeal or amend be a matter of special concern to EU laws and policies which do not the millions of disabled persons comply with the UN Treaty and to living in the UK who, together with harness all its legislative and other disabled persons in the EU, make up tools to benefit disabled persons. one fifth of the total EU population. From 2010 to 2020 this UN Treaty Disabled persons make up 26 per guided EU disability strategy. It had cent of the population in Wales, a significant impact on the reform 40 per cent of whom live in poverty of the EU regulations governing – the highest proportion in the UK. the application of its structural and In cooperation with disability investment funds, which helped organisations, the National Assembly to move disabled persons out of for Wales needs to redouble efforts institutions and to develop appropriate to protect the rights of disabled community alternatives that gave people. The added value of EU practical support to the efforts of membership to disabled people in people to live independently. Wales was given considerable impetus During 2020 we expect the EU in the mid-1990s with the significant to continue its drive to reform its shift of emphasis in EU disability structural and cohesion policies and policy away from an approach based the shift away from the general their funding criteria, the very on charity and welfare towards the policy aim to maintain people rather policies and funds from which Wales objectives of equality and human than to forge pathways for disabled has greatly benefited over the past rights. This then led to adoption of persons into the mainstream of 20 years. The result of these reforms the EU Employment Equality society. The adoption of this will feature in the EU’s 2021-2027 Directive legislation of 2000 Convention in 2008 placed disability programming arrangements and requiring all Member States to at the heart of the UN human rights will be reflected in its future budget. prohibit discrimination against agenda and influenced the overall It will be in the interests of Wales to disability in the workplace. This development of international monitor closely the positive impacts dramatically strengthened UK standards in equality and human flowing from these arrangements so disability equality laws. rights law. It underlined the as to inspire further innovation and On the global stage, the EU helped importance of mainstreaming progress within the UK. This will be to shape and drive adoption of the concern for disability as an integral critically important to ensuring that UN Convention on the Rights of part of the relevant strategies of the UK Government’s proposed Persons with Disabilities, confirming sustainable development. shared prosperity fund fully

20 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2020 recognises needs in Wales and fully respects the powers and responsibilities devolved to Wales. Civil society needs to be ready and willing to A crucial feature of the EU’s work stand up for principles they hold dear. in the field of disability over the past 30 years has been the European Commission’s strong commitment What we do know is that Johnson membership of the EU. to consult disability organisations. has several times declared his own Second, reinforce partnership This has helped ground EU action and his government’s opposition to with and between disability and in the needs of disabled people and the inclusion of social and human rights organisations has enhanced the legitimacy of EU environmental conditional clauses. throughout the UK and create the disability initiatives. Furthermore, Whether or not this approach will necessary mechanism to develop the Commission has provided lead to attempts to water down or regular cooperation with the financial support for civil society revisit social legislation and policies European Disability Forum and organisations to meet and deriving from the EU remains to be other EU level social platforms. cooperate at European level, seen. What is clear is that civil society Third, I recommend that the UK facilitating their participation in needs to be alert to these dangers Government should establish with decision making. This has been and ready and willing to stand up the EU a special schematic working paralleled by the introduction of for principles they hold dear. group, to include representation of EU-wide machinery for senior The challenge posed by the UN disability organisations, so as to government officials to share Convention had been to embed a identify the scope for continuing innovative ideas about equality new dynamic of reform in all cooperation to exchange good and disability policy and practice. Member States of the EU and into practice and enhance disability It will be important for the UK, with their regional and local processes policies as well as to monitor the its new EU status as a ‘third country’, of governance. Article 33 of the effectiveness of implementation of to maintain this involvement. The Convention is its lynchpin, requiring the UN Convention. This should arrangements will be defined during governments to designate one or take into account the commitment negotiations with the EU. more focal points coordinating of the EU and the UK to deliver the Negotiations on this new responsibility for implementation UN’s sustainable development goals. partnership have started and will and also an independent monitoring Fourth, I recommend that involve defining precisely the scope, mechanism. Key questions now arise governments seek continued content and terms of the Political in the wake of Brexit as to the extent participation in the EU’s Horizon Declaration annexed to the to which the UK and Wales will Research and Erasmus programmes, Withdrawal Agreement. Media continue to commit to implement with the special attention they are attention has focused almost the Convention and repeal non- giving to the global problems of exclusively so far on the terms of compliant laws and practices climate change and healthcare, a likely future trade deal, although to apply it. including scaling up research into it will also involve a range of The future is very unclear on the infectious diseases. economic, social and cultural issues substance of the new relationship Fifth, I recommend governments that were not covered by the which the UK will enjoy with the EU. build explicitly on the policies Withdrawal Agreement. This is the time for civil society in applied through the EU’s Structural The Johnson political declaration Wales and across the UK to be Funding (including both the ERDF sets out the Prime Minister’s vigilant and fearless in articulating and ESF) to attack poverty and ambition for this future relationship, the importance of our continued promote social inclusion, including It leaves many vital issues, especially European collaboration to protect support for disabled people, and security and foreign affairs and promote the rights of disabled incorporate such policy provision cooperation, wide open at this very persons and their families. in any replacement funding difficult time in terms of peace and I recommend five follow-up action formula established in the stability in our world. Those like me points. First, ensure there is a united proposed Shared Prosperity Fund, who are also deeply concerned front or alliance of human rights and taking fully into account devolved about future participation of young disability organisations throughout responsibilities in these fields. people and students, our universities the UK to press the government with and higher and further education one voice on its negotiating stance A version of this article was institutions in the Erasmus and with the EU to confirm the presented to Disability Wales’ Horizon research programmes are commitment to apply the substance National Summit in Cardiff on still scratching our heads in dismay at of the different disability-related February 13, 2020. what was and remains a blind Brexit. laws and measures adopted during

Spring 2020 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 21 ARTS & CULTURE: CATHERINE FOOKES Film Review: Knock Down the House

Catherine Fookes, Director of WEN Wales, says that the film Knock Down the House is about giving power back to real people.

atching Knock Down the House is an absolute roller coaster. WIf you’ve stood for political office and lost, as I and countless others have, it’s incredibly emotional viewing. It shows the relentlessness of knocking on doors; the never-ending phone calls, press releases, social media content to be produced; the team you have to motivate and the huge sacrifices of time and money that most ‘ordinary people’ have to make including time away from your family. It shows the huge mountain we have to climb to get more women and specifically more women of colour into political office. However, it’s also a film full of hope and it’s galvanising: ultimately its real message is that we just have to believe in the impossible. We have to use the anger we feel to propel us forward to make change. Activists and agitators need to watch this film and see how the women in it and their supporters made something incredible happen by forming a massive movement for change. The film gave me hope, and it begged the question ‘what would it take in Wales to have our own ‘Knock Down the House’ movement? A key message of the film is to take the power back. Alexandria

22 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2020 Ocasio-Cortez said that her father had taken her on a trip to Ultimately its real message is that we just have Washington when she was a young girl: “He pointed at everything and to believe in the impossible. he said, you know, this all belongs to us. He said, this is our government, it belongs to us, so The film shares the highs and lows is change the law so that there are all of this stuff is yours.” of their campaigns and what struck women of colour and disabled I thought the film was going to me was the community ‘campaign women in both the Senedd and centre on Democrat women office’ behind each of them. Groups local government. WEN Wales standing against Republicans, of mainly young people calling, would like to see legally binding however the major part of the film cajoling, door knocking, planning quotas so all political parties are centres around four Democrats and plotting were truly inspirational. compelled to change and put taking on the ‘male, pale and stale’ This was an organised movement forward equal candidates and career politicians from their own – not women working in isolation. diverse candidates. This has been political party. They were having to How can Wales have its ‘Knock done in 100 other countries – why battle for the nomination before Down the House’ moment? can’t we now lead the way in Wales they could even stand and fight in I believe we need to do three and do it here? It is possible, as a general election. things to ensure our Senedd and envisaged by the expert panel on local government reflects our electoral reform chaired by Laura society – we need to create the McAllister, along with the work Groups of mainly pipeline, change our laws and the reforming the electoral system and young people culture. Taking the pipeline first. enlarging the Assembly to make Groups like WEN Wales and EYST it a more effective legislature. calling, cajoling, door are running successful mentoring We also need an ‘access to elected schemes which are already creating office’ fund as soon as possible knocking, planning in Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic to ensure that people from all and plotting were women and disabled women the socio-economic backgrounds desire to stand and the tools to and disabled women can afford truly inspirational. stand. Trade unions do a great job to stand. This was an organised supporting and training women Finally, we need to change the to take the lead in politics. But culture and come together across movement – not currently, when potential candidates all parties to ensure that women of women working in come out of our schemes they are colour, disabled women, women met with the horrendous realisation from different socio-economic isolation. that no one who looks like them is backgrounds are able to stand and currently in the Senedd. So why win. It will take concerted action would they want to put themselves by all of us working together across What they lacked in political through social media abuse, stress Wales - political parties, unions, experience they made up for in and the pain if they lose? businesses, NGOs and citizens – enthusiasm and a desire for change. The second thing we need to do we all need to come together to Amy Vilela’s daughter had died and ensure that our politicians truly she was standing to overhaul health reflect the people of Wales. care in the US. Alexandria Ocasio- The second thing As Lord Simon Woolley recently Cortez got involved after the anger we need to do is said at the launch of Welsh she felt at Donald Trump’s election Government’s new strategy to tackle as President. Cori Bush, a nurse and change the law so diversity in public appointments, ‘We pastor, was moved to stand due to are demanding change, not asking the shooting of an unarmed black that there are for it.’ Join our WEN Wales coalition man in her area. Paula Jean women of colour and let’s make this happen! Swearengin stood as she could see the horrendous effects of the coal and disabled mining industry around her. All of women in both WEN Wales’ vision is a them were angry about injustice Wales free from gender and inequality and used that anger the Senedd and discrimination. Find out more at to propel them to make changes local government. https://wenwales.org.uk/ in society.

Spring 2020 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 23 NEWS Keeping you up-to-date with what’s going on Bevan Foundation News

Insights

Better access to GP services Trapped: women’s Up rate EMA now! for older people experiences of poverty

Women’s poverty is hidden by the way that it is measured. Our report with Chwarae Teg lifts the lid on women’s experiences of poverty and makes some ground-breaking recommendations for change. The report calls for support for women to enter and progress at work, the real Living Wage and more widespread flexible working arrangements. It urges the Welsh Together with the Age Alliance Wales, Government to seek flexibility and we’ve been looking into older choice in payment of social security people’s experiences of accessing benefits, and increased investment GP services. We found that many in community-based learning. had difficulty making an appointment Most radically, it calls for a new because they had to make multiple childcare offer that provides free, Educational Maintenance Allowance phone calls or queue outside. part-time childcare from age 9 (EMA) provides vital income for Disabled patients in particular had months to school entry for 48 learners aged 16-18 from low- difficulty getting the care they need. weeks a year, coupled with free income families. Yet it has been We concluded that recent Welsh out of school care up to the age frozen for nearly 10 years, leaving Government commitments to of 14. The new offer should be thousands unable to get help and improve phone access need to go available for every child whose forcing young people to choose further. Outdoor queuing should be parents want one. between buying items they need stopped and all appointment booking for learning or lunch. methods should be available. Patient The report is available at: concerns about telephone triage www.bevanfoundation.org/ We’re calling for the value of EMA to should be addressed, and adjustments publications/trapped-poverty- be restored, with an increase to £45 made for people with sensory or amongst-women-in-wales-today a week. We’re also calling for major communications impairments. changes to the Welsh Government Appointments themselves should be Learning Grant so that adults in available of different lengths and further education get the same patients should be able to discuss support as those in higher more than one issue per appointment. education. These recommendations Penalties for lateness should be are part of our work on creating a stopped, and all GP practices should Welsh Benefits System. comply with GPs duties under the Equality Act 2010. Read our suggestions in full at The report is available at: www.bevanfoundation.org/ www.bevanfoundation.org/ publications/learning-a-living- publications/access-to-gp- better-support-for-post-16- services-by-older-people learners

24 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2020 NEWS Keeping you up-to-date with what’s going on

Making a difference Coronavirus

Debating anchor towns Welsh Benefits System Protect the least well off

We are delighted that the National We’re deeply concerned that Assembly for Wales’ Equality, Local coronavirus will hit people on low Government and Communities incomes or with certain protected Committee has endorsed our characteristics hardest. proposals for a Welsh Benefits System. We’re urging the Welsh A Welsh Benefits System would bring Government to mitigate the together the many different means- impact of emergency measures tested schemes run by the Welsh by encouraging local authorities Government and local authorities into to provide families whose children a coherent whole. The committee’s receive free school meals with recommendation that the idea be an allowance in lieu and by adopted has now been accepted in providing financial support for principle by the Welsh Government. emergency food aid e.g. via food banks. The challenge is now to make sure We’ve asked that the Discretionary that a Welsh Benefits System lifts Assistance Fund be increased and people out of poverty and is as rules relaxed so more cash can go seamless as possible. to households affected by sudden Our idea of ‘anchor towns’ – places job losses. We’re urging landlords which have a sizeable population Your can read our case for a Welsh to offer ‘rent holidays’ to tenants and which offer a range of public Benefits System here: faced with a sudden drop in income and private services – has really www.bevanfoundation.org/ and we’re asking that nobody taken off. publications/the-case-for-a-welsh- should be evicted for rent arrears benefits-system/ during the current crisis. Hefin David AM chose the idea for his short debate in the National Assembly for Wales on 22nd January Hidden consequences 2020, and we were delighted to present our proposals to a meeting While efforts to contain the spread of the Valleys Taskforce a few of the virus and treat people a days later. ffected rightly have priority, there are many unforeseen consequences We’ve also shared them at a fringe that are passing unnoticed. debate at the Welsh Conservatives conference on 7th March as well Over the coming weeks, we’re as on BBC Radio Wales. Some local publishing online articles by guest authorities are exploring how to contributors as well as a special adopt the idea in their local plans. State of Wales briefing. Check out our special coronavirus In case you missed the report page on our website where you’ll you can catch up here: see a variety of resources: www.bevanfoundation.org/ www.bevanfoundation.org/ publications/anchor-towns coronavirus

Spring 2020 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 25 NEWS All the latest from our subscribers Subscribers’ News

Transforming Welsh eye care Working Together Community campaign to end services must be a priority for better health veteran homelessness

ABPI Cymru Wales and the Welsh NHS Confederation recently launched a toolkit to support joint working between the pharmaceutical industry and NHS Wales. Joint working is already bringing benefits to patients in Wales. For example, the pharmaceutical companies of Johnson & Johnson, Welsh Government, NHS Wales and Myeloma UK have partnered to co- create an ‘All Wales Haematological Malignancy Data Solution’. This will capture real-world evidence to help deliver improved outcomes for patients whilst facilitating a value- based healthcare environment. Dr Rick Greville, Director ABPI Every day in Wales five more people Cymru Wales, commented: “When begin to lose their sight. Essential the industry and NHS work together, The Community trade union eye clinic appointments are being the benefits are significant for all is campaigning to end veteran cancelled and delayed, causing some concerned – higher quality care, homelessness. Through the winter patients to suffer irreversible sight loss lower hospital admissions and it has been encouraging union reps which could have been avoided with more appropriate use of medicines. and members to donate warm winter timely treatment. We want to help more people in clothing that can be passed on to The hospital eye care service Wales benefit from this triple win.” local charities. is struggling to meet demand. Visit www.abpi.org.uk/media- Following the collections in South Continuing delays are leading to centre/news/2020/february/new- Wales, Alan Coombs, National too many people in Wales losing toolkit-for-welsh-nhs-and-industry- Executive Council member for their sight unnecessarily, risking their to-work-together-for-patients Community, said: “Our union mental health and wellbeing. highlighted that there are over 6,000 In response, RNIB Cymru is calling men and women who served in the on AMs across Wales to prioritise armed forces currently living on the preventing needless sight loss ahead street in the UK. We just wanted to do of the 2021 Senedd Elections. something about it and our members The charity is currently promoting have been fully on board.” its key manifesto asks to ensure that “Collecting items of clothing, sleeping transforming eye care services is a bags and duvets to keep people priority and that health boards have warm through the winter nights a clear improvement plan in place to seemed the least we could achieve their targets. do when you think about what Contact RNIB Cymru on 029 2082 these men and women sacrificed 8500 or [email protected] for our country.”

26 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2020 NEWS All the latest from our subscribers

Free support A right to adequate housing Become a Friend of for Welsh businesses Community Foundation In May 2021 voters in Wales will for Wales the first time elect Members to the Welsh Parliament. It has taken us the best part of 20 years for Wales to get equivalent powers to the Scottish Parliament – we now have them and why shouldn’t we! The Welsh Assembly will change its name to reflect that change. The Chartered Institute of Housing, Community Foundation Wales along with Tai Pawb and Shelter inspires people to give, helps Cymru, is asking all political parties Welsh communities to thrive and in Wales to commit to bringing changes lives together. Friends of forward legislation in the next Welsh Community Foundation Wales is an Parliamentary term to enshrine alliance of like-minded people and the Right to Adequate Housing – organisations who want to build as set out in the United Nation’s stronger communities in Wales. International Covenant on Economic. By becoming a Friend, you will Social and Cultural Rights – in The Geographical Data and help Community Foundation Wales Welsh law. Earth Observation for Monitoring to become more resilient and boost (GEOM), an EU funded initiative our grant-making role, enabling us to led by Aberystwyth University in support more community groups and collaboration with QinetiQ, is helping grassroots projects to create positive businesses (including charities and change across the country. other non-profits) to exploit the fast- Friends of Community Foundation growing spatial intelligence market. Wales already has ex-Controller GEOM uses state-of-the-art satellite, of BBC Cymru Wales Menna drone and other geographic and Richards, Co-Founder & Director earth observation data technologies at Moneypenny Rachel Clacher, to support businesses working in a Williams Ross Chartered Accountants range of sectors to develop market- and Roperhurst Specialist Plastic ready products and services. They can Engineering signed up. Why not join include environment, conservation, them and show your commitment to tourism, archaeology and heritage, changing lives in Wales? transport, logistics and infrastructure, You can join online at health, renewable energy https://communityfoundationwales. organisations. GEOM’s experienced org.uk or contact Katy Hales, scientists provide support through Manager, Donor Advised Giving feasibility studies, field work and on 029 2037 9580 or katy@ laboratory experiments. They help communityfoundationwales.org.uk make sense of your business data using geospatial data analytics. The support is free. For enquiries and expressions of interest phone 01970 621 965 or email [email protected]

Spring 2020 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 27 Spotlight On Sue Husband Director, Business in the Community Cymru

In 140 characters describe What’s been your biggest Why does BITC support Business in the Community leadership challenge? the Bevan Foundation?

We are the oldest and largest The urgency and imperative to The Bevan Foundation works hard business-led organisation dedicated continually grow the responsible to find long-term solutions to to responsible business, founded by business movement. We need Wales’ most pressing challenges. HRH The Prince of Wales. more businesses to think and act Like Business in the Community, in a responsible manner so we can it relies on generous people and What is your role at Business create the greatest impact. There organisations, giving time, energy, in the Community (BITC)? are three ways in which we are and resources to help society more working with businesses to do this, widely to deliver positive impact. by helping them to: I am fortunate to have the interesting and rewarding role • develop a skilled and inclusive of Director of Business in the workforce for today and tomorrow; About Business in the Community, Cymru. I lead a small Community Cymru but perfectly formed team of ten in Cardiff and I represent BITC in • build thriving communities where Business in the Community Wales. I am tasked with growing our people want to live and work; (BITC) Cymru leads a growing network of responsible businesses movement and work with more here in Wales and encouraging them • innovate to sustain and repair than 200 companies in Wales, to work collaboratively for our planet. from small and medium-sized the greatest impact. businesses to leading brands. What’s your hope for What do you enjoy most the next five years? We offer tailored advice and about your work? support to help companies That Wales, as a nation, clearly to improve their responsible The opportunity to work with emerges as a strong leader in business practices, to align fantastic people who work in responsible business, showing other them with local social issues brilliant businesses across Wales, nations how we can and must act where they can really make many of whom are our members. together for a brighter future for all. a difference, along with the I am acutely aware of the Welsh policy agenda. privileged position I am in and the If you could invite responsibility of inspiring, engaging anyone, dead or alive, We also offer a variety of and challenging these businesses to ways for companies to come help tackle some of society’s biggest to a dinner party who together to collaborate on key challenges. And of course, no two would you invite? social issues as well as learn days are the same! I have only been from each other. in role for six weeks but already I Alain de Botton, a modern-day have visited many schools to see philosopher and author. He’s Contact: the brilliant work of our members written on love, travel, architecture BITC Cymru, supporting their local communities. and literature. He also started a 2nd Floor, I have had the opportunity to travel school in London called The School 33 – 35 Cathedral Road, more across south and north Wales, of Life, dedicated to a new vision of Cardiff CF11 9HB and more recently met HRH, The education. I love the way he writes Email: [email protected] Prince of Wales, our patron, when about life, work and all the things he visited flood-hit Pontypridd. that affect us all.

28 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2020 AcademiWales

Academi Wales yw’r ganolfan ar gyfer sgiliau arwain yng ngwasanaethau cyhoeddus Cymru. Rydym yn cynnig y cyfleoedd datblygu diweddaraf i bob arweinydd a rheolwr o fewn y gwasanaethau cyhoeddus, gan feithrin gallu, capasiti a chydweithredu er mwyn darparu’r gwasanaethau cyhoeddus gorau i Gymru. www.llyw.cymru/academiwales @academiwales

Academi Wales has been established as the Welsh public service’s centre for leadership excellence. We provide access to cutting edge development opportunities for all public service leaders and managers, building capability, capacity and collaboration to deliver the best public services for Wales. www.gov.wales/academiwales @academiwales

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