'Brexit could leave rural areas facing deep poverty': Nearly a quarter of all people in Wales now struggling to make ends meet

Nearly a quarter of all people in Wales now struggling to make ends meet, according to a new report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, which found almost a quarter (23%) of everyone living in Wales is experiencing poverty.

The study, which also found that poverty is costing Wales £3.6bn a year, has provoked a strong reaction from from the agricultural sector, where rural poverty is a serious issue.

Farmers' Union of Wales President Glyn Roberts said Brexit could leave rural areas in Wales facing levels of poverty not seen since the 1930s.

Emyr Jones, the union's ex-President, said: “We all share huge frustrations with the EU, but the FUW remains convinced that leaving the common market or opting out of the CAP following a renegotiation of powers would be devastating for agriculture and our rural communities.

“If we were to lose our export markets and CAP funding it is difficult to imagine how our agricultural sectors and rural communities would avoid being plunged into abject poverty,” he added.

The Joseph Rowntree report found that public agencies within health, education, social care and the criminal justice systems are spending £3.6 billion every year in Wales dealing with the social consequences of this high level of poverty.

This is equivalent to £1,150 for every person living in Wales, and represents £1 in every £5 of spending on public services.