Child poverty and devolution

The Welsh take

Convergence or divergence

A bit of both: convergence on objectives, though Wales did not embrace UK targets until 2005, some divergence on means.

Rooted in political/ideological distance from UK New Labour: Morgan’s ‘clear red water’

Welsh Labour sees itself as‘progressive universalist’ (universalism with a selective top-up!)

Rhetorical divergence increased since 2007

Progressive universalism?

Press UK government for greater use of economic levers (benefit levels, job creation etc.) and dovetail effort.

Made in Wales add-ons (regeneration, Communities First, Cymorth, A Fair Future for our Children (incl. Flying Start and Foundation Phase), Improving life opportunities for disadvantaged children, financial inclusion initiatives, take up of financial support, duty on public bodies. Vulnerable children LCO

Policy communities

Relatively weak Interest groups relatively strong WAG influenced by SCF, End Poverty Now

network, Children’s Commissioner In context of LCO, WAG appointed an expert

group to keep it honest Children Monitor

Policy innovation

Financial inclusion: enhanced support of credit unions etc.

Duty on public bodies enshrined in a Measure Communities First Foundation Phase Children Monitor

…progressive universalism, rational incrementalism or winging it?