Children in poverty invisible as Chancellor misses opportunity to put them at the heart of economic recovery

The End Child Poverty coalition is disappointed that in his statement today the Chancellor has not included the 4.2 million children growing up in poverty in his plans for economic recovery.

Campaigners had hoped for significant measures to prevent the pandemic pulling families further into poverty and pulling yet more children below the poverty line. The End Child Poverty coalition had called for increases to child benefit, for an end to the benefit cap and two child limit, and increases to the child element of universal credit and tax credits.

While action to prevent long term youth unemployment is very welcome, Judith Cavanagh, Coordinator for the End Child Poverty coalition said

‘We are disappointed that the Chancellor did not announce any improvements to social security payments, which would benefit families and their local businesses and communities.

He’s missed the chance to kickstart the fight to end child poverty in the UK and we urge him to make this a priority in the autumn budget.

We cannot continue to watch families, many already cut adrift before the pandemic, struggle to meet the basic needs of their children. We cannot continue to allow children to grow up with the shame and indignity of having to rely on foodbanks and holiday food voucher schemes. We cannot continue to watch the divide in school achievement and mental and physical health, grow between children from low income homes and their better off peers.

Poverty is damaging children now. The pandemic risks families being pulled further into poverty and bringing yet more families below the poverty line.”

ENDS

For further comment or analysis please contact Judith Cavanagh, 07918 567577, judith@endchildpoverty.org.uk