Jane Hutt MS, Minister for Social Justice and Chief Whip
I have today launched the Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ Benefits Charter, which is at the heart of our work to develop a compassionate, person-centred and streamlined Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ benefits system.
This is a key commitment in our Child Poverty Strategy, which will be launched tomorrow (23 January).
The Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ Benefits Charter commits the Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖand local authorities to work together to improve the take-up rate and the experiences people have when they access the financial support the Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖmakes available. To put the charter commitments into action, an external steering group chaired by Fran Targett has been established.
Improving the Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ benefits system is part of the Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖand Plaid Cymru Co-operation Agreement commitment to support the devolution of the administration of welfare and to explore the necessary infrastructure required to prepare for it.
I visited Blaenavon Resources Centre in Torfaen today with the Designated Member for the Co-operation Agreement, Sian Gwenllian, and Leader of Torfaen Council Anthony Hunt to launch the Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ Benefits Charter.
I intend to make a statement to the Senedd about the Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ Benefits Charter next month.