New Senedd committees were established following the election in May 2026. The EHRSJ Committee's remit is to look at policy and legislation, and to hold the Welsh Government to account on specific issues. This includes equality and human rights, fair work, community cohesion and safety, tackling poverty, and social justice. In addition, the Committee may investigate any area of policy from the perspective of equality and human rights.
The Committee launched a consultation in July 2026 to inform its strategic planning and forward work programme in the Seventh Senedd.
Our response
In our response, we urged the Committee to conduct an inquiry into child poverty, setting out the need for targeted intervention, with a particular focus on the impact on a child’s health and wellbeing and how to mitigate the impact of poverty to improve long term health outcomes.
Child poverty is a major driver of health inequalities. Wales currently has the highest rates of child poverty in the UK at 32%, with the risk of income poverty rising to 46% for children aged 0-4.
As a result, systemic poverty is creating a self-perpetuating cycle with poorer health affecting educational attainment, employment opportunities and future income, increasing the likelihood that inequalities persist into adulthood and across generations. Reducing child poverty is therefore one of the most effective ways to reduce health inequalities, improve long-term health outcomes and reduce pressure on NHS services.
RCPCH is calling on the Welsh Government to develop a strengthened child poverty strategy with targets to address health inequalities and end the cycle of systemic child poverty in Wales.
We respond to a wide range of consultations to ensure that the College’s position, and ultimately children’s health, is represented. Members can get involved in current consultations in Wales by contacting enquiries-wales@rcpch.ac.uk.