The financial strain of the past four years has left self-employed carpenter Justin Williams, a father-of-three from Ystrad Mynach, feeling like he and his wife have been set back by “at least” a decade. The pandemic forced him to use his savings to support his family after not qualifying for state support due to a short self-employment period. He and his wife were hit by the cost of living crisis, with higher fuel bills on his commute leading to additional borrowing on their mortgage which caused an increase in their mortgage payments by 40% with higher interest rates. Williams and his colleagues are among millions of people feeling the pinch but he feels like their only option is to start again such as downsizing their home.
Joanna Hexter, from Taffs Well, can’t work as a supply teacher because of a lack of afterschool care for her daughter, Josie. High prices are a concern for Hexter who, with her husband, needs to work to cover their basic outgoings. They both need to work since childcare is necessary and with Josie not being able to get care, they have to budget their money very carefully. Hexter is frustrated as a long-time worker since 14 years old, and feels like politicians make promises that they don’t deliver.
Childcare policy is in the Welsh government’s jurisdiction, and the government said in a statement that they are working with Welsh childcare organizations to increase provision. The Conservatives have promised to deliver 30 hours of free childcare for families with children aged between nine months and five years, and the Welsh government will receive additional funding for this program too. They have also promised to cut National Insurance for employees by another 2% and abolish the main rate of NI for the self-employed by 2029. The Labour party promises to ban zero-hours contracts, ensure the minimum wage is a genuine living wage, and implement a plan for economic growth. Plaid Cymru promises to invest more in the childcare workforce, increase child benefit payments by £20 a week, and give powers to set income tax bands to the Welsh government
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