New research on the Welsh ‘rights-based’ benefits system – Sefydliad Ymchwil Cymdeithasol ac Economaidd a Data Cymru

Mae'r cynnwys hwn ar gael yn Saesneg yn unig.

Over recent years, successive parliamentary committees have recommended expansion of the devolved benefits system in Wales. In 2024, the Welsh Government confirmed that its goal was: ‘A person-centred, compassionate, and consistent approach to the design and delivery of Welsh benefits, underpinned by the Welsh Benefits Charter principles’ – including compassion, equality and human rights. There is evident need for comprehensive welfare support in Wales. Recent data (2022-23) show 16% of all adults are materially deprived, including 19% of working-age adults, 4% of pensioners, and 9% of children.

New study

My study addresses the dearth of research on this topic and offers an initial, systemic outline of the nascent Welsh Benefits System (WBS). It aims to map its parameters, consider what it entails, how it operates, its legal and discursive underpinnings, how it compares to developments in the other UK nations, and to assess the challenges that the current government faces in seeking to implement its promise of creating a coherent Welsh Benefits System.

The Welsh Benefits System

Presently in Wales, social security benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance etc.) are mostly administered by the UK Government’s Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). Yet, in relation to devolved functions, the Welsh Government can extend additional benefits to citizens in Wales. There are two main types:

‘Standalone’ Welsh benefits – those that apply solely to citizens of Wales and eligibility, terms and funding are the responsibility of the Welsh Government (e.g., Childcare Offer for Wales, Homebuy – Wales, Welsh Government Housing Support Grant etc.)
Welsh benefits that ‘top-up’ DWP benefits (e.g., under the Welsh Government’s Strategy for unpaid carers, carers in receipt of the DWP’s Carer’s Allowance, are eligible for direct payments of up to £500 to pay for food and household items. In-kind support services, such as counselling, financial advice, well-being and peer support are also available).

The study findings show current Welsh benefits are extensive and span many devolved functions, including health, housing, social services, transport, education and skills. The analysis shows the key framings in the policy discourse around the creation of a WBS include tackling stigma, independence, participation/ co- production, empowerment, and pro-action.

Putting principles into action

However, a flaw in the WBS policy discourse is that many framings are little more than rhetorical flourishes. Details as to how these principles will be applied to the promised reforms are often incomplete or absent. In contrast, it is with the tropes of rights and equality that we are on more solid ground. The reason is that a distinctive body of law on equality and human rights applies in Wales; one that differs to other UK jurisdictions. If applied effectively, this has the potential to have a progressive impact on future benefits delivery.

The analysis also raises manifold issues and challenges in realising the current government aim of an integrated rights-based benefits system. A key concern is insufficient resources and staffing being allocated to deliver the scale of the reforms required. The new analysis identified over 30 current devolved benefits, yet present pilot work is being undertaken on just three. A step-change in current practice is also urgently needed with more efficient and systematised data sharing across Welsh Government departments, devolved agencies and local authorities.

Political volatility poses a further threat

Current opinion polling suggests a rising support for Plaid Cymru and Reform UK ahead of Welsh Senedd elections in 2026. Furthermore, after extended careers, a number of senior government figures have said they will step down at the next elections. This raises questions about continuity and future ownership and oversight of the WBS plans, and whether there will be the political will to continue the reforms through the next parliamentary term.

Whether the WBS will be expanded by future transfer of DWP benefits is unknown. In the short-term at least, it seems unlikely. In part, this is due to a history of mistrust and a lack of political will by veto players at Westminster and the Welsh Government’s justifiable concern that any funding mechanism associated with further devolution is deprivation-sensitive and needs- rather than population- based. However, arguments about further devolution of benefits to enhance fiscal accountability and better align the administration of welfare with devolved policy and law in Wales remain powerful and may ultimately prevail.

New study

The Welsh Benefits System

Putting principles into action

Political volatility poses a further threat

Further reading