Unlike policies, a childhood cannot be reversed, nor revised at a later date. Each of us only have one childhood, and the experiences we have in these formative years shape the rest of our lives. Every child matters equally whether they are the first, or the third or later born in a family. » Read More
This week, by fully mitigating the benefit cap, the Scottish government has taken a hugely significant step forward in its efforts to reduce child poverty. Its clear statement that families should get the support they need through our social security system, rather than be penalised by an arbitrary limit, is laudable. » Read More
Last week, over 8 million households received their first of two cost of living payments, a long overdue recognition by the government that, while the cost of living crisis is affecting us all, its impacts remain profoundly unequal. Households on means-tested benefits will receive £326 directly into their bank accounts, with a further payment of…
Government ministers talking about child poverty have been a bit like buses this week – nothing for years then two come along at once. First we had the Chancellor. When presented with analysis showing that his decision not to increase benefits in line with inflation would push 500,000 children into poverty, he made clear that…
A quarter of a million children will go hungry this Christmas. That is just one of the headlines from the Childhood Trust’s ‘Cold, Hungry and Stressed’ report, outlining the shocking levels of poverty families across London have been plunged into ahead of the festive season. Laurence Guinness, chief executive of The Childhood Trust, outlined some…
A report released by the work and pensions committee today said the government must commit to a cross-departmental child poverty strategy. The report is the first part of the committee’s wide-ranging inquiry into children in poverty underscores the impact of poverty in childhood for children’s lived experiences now and in adulthood, including in health and…
