21.11.11
Welfare reform to affect child poverty
Children’s commissioners in the UK have warned that child poverty could increase due to the state of the economy and public finances, with key services already being hit by cuts.
Their report suggests that changes to the welfare system could push more families into poverty.
Currently one in five children lives in poverty, according to official statistics. Welfare reform will introduce tougher regime for claimants, but the Government suggests that the changes will help to cut poverty, not increase it.
The report states: “At the heart of our concerns within this report are the high levels of persistent poverty in the UK. There is a very real danger that this figure [3.8 million] will increase.
“We are seriously concerned that those most vulnerable in our society will face and are facing disproportionate hardship.”
A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said: “The best and most sustainable way to reduce child poverty is through parents working.
“This is why our welfare reforms will make sure work pays and remove disincentives from the benefit system.”
A Government spokesperson said: “We will continue to work closely with the children's commissioners to ensure that policy and implementation is informed by their ongoing investigations and advice.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]