Mari Williams
Mari Williams is a Senior Policy and Research Manager in Wales.
09 Jul 2026
WalesImplementing a Welsh Child Payment – what routes can the Welsh Government take?
A new legal analysis from Save the Children Cymru and the Bevan Foundation shows that a Welsh Child Payment is both legally and practically achievable under existing Welsh Government powers, despite social security being reserved to Westminster. With one in three children in Wales living in poverty, it is argued that a Welsh Child Payment could significantly reduce child poverty, improve child wellbeing and deliver long-term economic benefits. The blog explores the legal routes, political challenges and funding considerations for implementing Plaid Cymru’s proposed Cynnal pilot and scaling it into a nationwide scheme.