![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/poverty-single-major-challenge-facing-wales/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/122600191_gettyimages-1335240358.jpg&description=Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, UK food costs jumped 14.6% in the year to September - the biggest rise since 1980 - with bread, cereal, meat and dairy prices all climbingPoverty in Wales is the "single major challenge", an official report has warned.Figures suggest more than a third of children in Wales are now classed as living in poverty, more than anywhere else in the UK.The Audit Office has called for renewed focus across every tier of government in Wales to address the issue.It includes a key recommendation for new a national strategy and targets to tackle poverty.The 50-page investigation by the auditor general for Wales said it recognised that dealing with poverty remains a priority for Welsh government and local councils.However, it stated that a mix of approaches and "complicated" working environments meant "ambitions, focus, actions and prioritisation vary widely".The Audit Office said the current cost of living crisis was making the situation even worse.Image source, Robbie DavisonImage caption, Robbie Davison warns poverty services in Wales are facing a winter crisisIf things feel bad now, there's worse to come, warns the man behind a social enterprise partnership aimed at feeding those struggling to pay for food.Robbie Davison said spiralling food costs were eye-watering, and "hard working people" were struggling.He set up Well-Fed in Flintshire, alongside the council and ClwydAlyn Housing Association, with a mission to "feed hungry people fresh meals, free of charge".He said there has been a shocking rise in requests for help from Well Fed, with families "on the edge" financially now unable to cope.He warned that as winter approached, there would be a further crisis."The services who deal with this are not ready to deal with the demand. The moment it starts to get cold, people will start to slip."He is also critical of the universal help from the UK government on energy bills."It doesn't matter if you've got heating, if you've got no food - yo){kind=link}
Poverty in Wales is the “single major challenge”, an official report has warned.
Figures suggest more than a third of children in Wales are now classed as living in poverty, more than anywhere else in the UK.
The Audit Office has called for renewed focus across every tier of government in Wales to address the issue.
It includes a key recommendation for new a national strategy and targets to tackle poverty.
The 50-page investigation by the auditor general for Wales said it recognised that dealing with poverty remains a priority for Welsh government and local councils.