The End Child Poverty Network has today released a 5 Point Charter which identifies action to tackle income child poverty in Wales. The Charter, which has been issued ahead of the General Election on May 6th 2010, sets out the steps that the incoming UK Government needs to take to address this growing problem in policy areas it has responsibility for.
The Charter is set out under 5 priority areas for action, calling on the next UK Government to:
In 1999 the UK Government made an historic commitment to half child poverty by 2010 and eradicate it by 2020. In spite of interventions made in the last few years to reach the 2010 target, the most recent figures for Wales show that 32% of children live in low-income households, with the 2010 target likely now to be missed. The Child Poverty Act 2010 which was recently passed by Parliament places the 2020 commitment into law and will require any future UK Government to publish a Child Poverty Strategy evaluating the progress towards meeting the targets and setting out future action.
Sean O’Neill, Policy Director for Children in Wales and Chair of the End Child Poverty Network Cymru says:
"Despite the achievement of the current UK Government in reducing child poverty levels during the first part of the last decade, and introducing fiscal programs to help low-income families, child poverty levels are back on the increase and much more needs to be done. Reduced job opportunities, increases in energy and fuel prices alongside rising everyday costs over recent months have put an additional strain on low-income families across Wales, many of whom were already struggling to provide for their children. The present global recession has undoubtedly exacerbated existing problems and urgent action is required now to help families and cushion the blow.
The passing of the Child Poverty Act, which received cross-party support, was a huge step in the right direction, but children need help and support in 2010. Today, we are urging all Welsh prospective Members of Parliament to endorse this Charter and for the successful party on May 6th to take forward the key actions as part of the long term quest to eradicate child poverty once and for all."
Notes
1. The End Child Poverty Network Cymru is a coalition of concern focused on the eradication of child poverty in Wales, co-ordinated and managed on a day-to-day basis by Children in Wales. Its steering group include representation from across the voluntary and statutory sectors and the Network has an increasing number of supporting members from a broad cross-section of agencies. (www.endchildpovertycymru.org.uk)
2. Children in Wales is the national umbrella organisation for voluntary, statutory and professional organisations and individuals who work with children and young people in Wales. www.childreninwales.org.uk . Children in Wales was established in March 1992 and became a registered charity in 1993. It aims to promote the interests of children, to improve services in Wales and to put children high on the Welsh agenda. We work closely with our members who comprise professionals, policy makers and consumer groups to improve the lives of all children living in Wales, but especially young children, those affected by family instability, children with special needs or disabilities, and those suffering the effects of poverty and deprivation. We collect and disseminate information about children and promote good practice in children's services through research, policy and practice development, publications, conferences, seminars, training and access to an extensive library and information service. Children in Wales has offices in Cardiff and Caernarfon.
3. For further information regarding this press release contact:
Sean O’Neill, Policy Director at Children in Wales,
E-mail: sean.oneill@childreninwales.org.uk
Tel: 029 2034 2434,
Children in Wales, 25 Windsor Place, Cardiff
Or Anita Myfanwy, Co-ordinator of the End Child Poverty Network
E-mail: anita.myfanwy@childreninwales.org.uk
Tel: (01286) 677570