Good evening John

I hope you and yours are safe and well.

Today, the government released the annual poverty statistics: 4.2 million children in relative poverty after their housing costs had been accounted for in 2018/19. That's up from 4.1 million. I know this will be of great concern to you - it's simply not right that child poverty continues to rise.

I know you'll join us in welcoming the government's emergency measures in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. And that you'll also share our concern that not enough is being done to help families with children.

A modest increase in child benefit of £10 per child per week could reduce child poverty by 5 percentage points, and help families at a time of crisis when schools are closed, costs are higher and income might be greatly reduced.

I'd be really grateful if you could share our briefing, outlining more measures that could support families at this time. If you’re an adviser, there is some useful information here: cpag.org.uk/coronavirus.

Yesterday was the 10-year anniversary of the Child Poverty Act being brought in - this was a significant step, but sadly the Act no longer exists. We've seen child poverty rise, and it is vital that the government gets this right for families both right now in this time of crisis, and in the long term.

Indeed, the government's response to the Coronavirus pandemic shows that radical action to tackle urgent problems is possible. This time next year, we really hope we can tell you there is a national child poverty strategy in place to turn the tide. 

With best wishes,​

Lizzie

Lizzie Flew
Child Poverty Action Group
 

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