Latest news with #ChildPovertyTaskforce
Daily Mirror
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
'I skipped dinner so my parents could eat my food - child poverty must end'
Growing up Georgia Sullivan would force down food she didn't like – in case there was no food at home. Now the 26-year-old and four other young people are calling on the government to end child poverty. Growing up in poverty has left an indelible trace on Georgia Sullivan. "I grew up with a fear of food, because I wasn't used to eating different things," Georgia, now 26, explains. "I'd be at school eating things I didn't usually eat, and I remember gagging because I needed to eat the meal because we might not have anything to eat at home. That's a core memory for me. As I got older, I'd sometimes not eat in the evening so my parents could eat my food." Georgia from Nottingham, who grew up in North London and Stevenage adds: "Part of poverty is trying to pretend and act like things that are ordinary for other people aren't extraordinary for you. There were times growing up I was told not to open the door because of the bailiffs. All the physical things – like having nits for months because we couldn't afford the treatments – have a real impact. I'm dealing with the lasting consequences every day." On Wednesday, Georgia and four other young people who grew up in poverty will hand deliver a letter to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Liz Kendall, Work and Pensions Secretary – who co-chair the government's Child Poverty Taskforce. From their own experiences, and as young ambassadors for Action For Children, these five young people know better than anyone that every day a child spends in poverty is one day too long. After 14 years of brutal Tory Austerity, Labour inherited staggering levels of child poverty, affecting around 4.5 million children – yet the government's flagship Child Poverty Strategy has become mired in delays. Spring became summer, and now the strategy has reportedly been delayed until at least the autumn. And while Wednesday's Spending Review saw a return from the Chancellor to core Labour values – full of bold plans for transport, the NHS, infrastructure – there was no mention of lifting the two-child benefit cap or other measures that could dramatically shift the dial on child poverty. As internal rows continue to rage over the two-child limit, and benefit cuts continue down the pipeline, every day more children go hungry and endure health and mental health problems, bullying and indignities that will shape their adult lives. So, Georgia and a group of young people have decided to act to remind Labour of its manifesto commitment to end child poverty. "Dear Bridget Phillipson and Liz Kendall," their letter says. "We know how it feels to grow up in poverty. We've felt the anxiety, shame, and loneliness that poverty causes. We felt it as children, and as adults we still feel it. We worry that we won't be able to keep our own children from it. "Your government has said 'no child should be left hungry, cold or have their future held back' by poverty… Hearing these promises, we feel hopeful - but we're also worried… the two-child limit remains in place, and other benefits are being cut." They urge the cabinet ministers – "Please make the right choices." After the welcome government U-turn on winter fuel, ministers can expect to be deluged by anti-poverty charities over the coming weeks, pushing for action on the two-child benefit cap. Paul Carberry, CEO of Action for Children, welcomes the additional funding for children's social care, social housing, and the expansion of free school meals in the Spending Review. But he adds: "If this government is to succeed in its bold ambition to drive down the UK's shamefully high levels of child poverty, it must go further. The Child Poverty Strategy this autumn must rebuild our inadequate social security system, starting with scrapping the two-child limit and benefit cap." Another of the letter's co-authors, Louise Fitt, 24, from West London, says growing up in poverty has deeply affected her adult life. "Childhood poverty affected me in every sense, from not having enough to eat, to coming home and there being no money on the meter to have a hot shower or watch TV," she says. "We didn't have enough money for school uniforms, and we would wear our shoes until they were worn out. Not eating enough affected my concentration at school. We were underweight, malnourished. I couldn't go on school trips with my friends. I didn't know at the time we didn't' really have money, I thought I was being punished." At the age of 11, Louise went into care, and later became a young parent. "I now work full-time as a civil servant but it's still a struggle to make ends meet," she says. "Many care leavers like me lack the support networks that most people take for granted. But when you come from nothing, it makes you more determined. I started with nothing, but I want to leave knowing I have achieved something and leave a legacy for my daughter." Jo Rawle, 26, lives in Bideford, North-Devon. Having lived through childhood poverty, now – as a solo parent living in temporary accommodation – she fears history repeating for her four-year-old son. "My son has autism and complex additional needs," she says. "That means it's difficult for me to work until he starts school. Meanwhile, everything has gone up. Sometimes I run out of money to buy a bottle of milk or nappies or fuel, then I have to borrow money from a friend, which I have to pay back later." Jo's benefits income is not enough to support her and her son. "I've visited food banks before. I make sure my son comes first. I've gone without a meal myself and I wear my clothes until they have holes in them." A Government spokesman said: "We are determined to lift more children out of poverty. We have already expanded free school meals, increased the national minimum wage, rolled out breakfast clubs and introduced a fair repayment rate for universal credit deductions. And this week the spending review allocated £1bn in crisis support, including funding to feed hungry children during the holidays. We are determined to go further and that's why we will publish an ambitious Child Poverty Strategy later this year." The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has told the Mirror in the past about her family being 'pushed into poverty' when she was a child and has called child poverty "a scar on our society". "I know what it is to grow up on free school meals, to grow up in a household where there isn't enough: when the house is cold, the food runs short, when the choices about which others don't think twice just aren't there," she has said. In Wednesday's Spending Review speech, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said that "every young person should have the equal chance to succeed". Young campaigners Georgia, Freya, Aaron, Louise, Holly and 4.5 million children are counting on Labour to make the right decisions.
Epoch Times
10-06-2025
- General
- Epoch Times
1 in 6 Pupils Miss School Because They Lack Money, Survey Suggests
One in six of all secondary school pupils have said they have missed class because they lacked money for food, transport, or trips, or otherwise did not have something they needed to attend, a survey by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) suggests. The CPAG's findings, Nearly one in four (23 percent) said they missed school because they did not have money to pay for meals, and 26 percent said they did not attend because they couldn't afford to pay for transport to get to school. More than a quarter (27 percent) said they lacked money to go on school trips. Almost half (47 percent) of pupils who missed school did so because they did not have the correct uniform or kit. FSM children were more than three times as likely to give this reason for missing school than their peers, the report said. Finances also influenced pupils' subject choices, with 16 percent saying concerns about cost prevented them from selecting a particular subject. Related Stories 6/7/2024 5/27/2025 The non-profit organisation commissioned polling firm Survation to undertake the study, which surveyed 1,701 state school secondary pupils living in the UK between April 17 and May 1. Its findings come amid wider concerns over the impact of poverty on children. According to the latest Recommendations First among CPAG's recommendations was abolishing the two-child benefit cap. The group also called for the expansion of free school meals to more families in England, access to free public transport for young people, and cash support to help with the cost of uniform and kit. Responding to the report, a government spokesperson said the Labour administration was committed to tackling child poverty through the Child Poverty Taskforce and broader reforms. The spokesperson said, 'This government has inherited a system with baked-in inequalities, which we're tackling head-on through our Plan for Change by rolling out free breakfast clubs in every primary, providing mental health support in every school, and investing over £3 billion in Pupil Premium to support those children who need it most.' The government also plans to reduce school uniform costs through new legislation, which along with free breakfast clubs 'could put £500 a year back into working parents' pockets.' Two-Child Limit The CPAG's recommendations come amid renewed calls to abolish the two-child benefit limit, which a In August 2024, the government Earlier this week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman said the government was 'not going to rule anything out' in its plans to tackle child poverty, after Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson—who is one of the leads on the Child Poverty Taskforce—had said that scrapping the limit was not off the table. Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer speaks with pupils as he visits Whale Hill Primary School in Eston, England, on June 11, government's child poverty strategy was due to be published this spring, but has been pushed back to autumn so it can be aligned with the chancellor's Budget. The two-child limit was introduced seven years ago and restricts means-tested Child Tax Credit or Universal Credit to the first two children. Access to Child Benefit—which is not means tested—remains uncapped, with parents able to claim for Child Tax Credit/Universal Credit and Child Benefit at the same time. Reform Would Scrap Cap The two-child cap is unpopular with the opposition, as well as some in the Labour Party. Last year, Labour Labour's move to restrict winter fuel payments for pensioners has also proven unpopular. Its implementation saw the number of seniors eligible for help with energy bills Starmer has since Reinstating support for low-income families has emerged as a key campaign issue for Reform UK. On Tuesday, Nigel Farage MP Reform is currently in the lead in voting intention surveys, polling ahead of Labour, the Conservative Party, and the Liberal Democrats. PA Media contributed to this report.
Daily Mirror
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
At least one in four children in poverty in two-thirds of UK areas
Overall, 42% of constituencies in the UK have a child poverty rate higher than the national average of 31%, according to new analysis by Loughborough University At least a quarter of children are in poverty in two-thirds of areas across the UK, grim analysis shows today. Overall, 42% of constituencies in the UK have a child poverty rate higher than the national average of 31%, according to new analysis by Loughborough University. That includes Keir Starmer 's London constituency Holborn and St Pancras, which has a child poverty rate of 47%. Some 80% of the PM's Cabinet represent constituencies with higher than average rates. Constituencies with the highest child poverty rates in the UK include Birmingham Ladywood, Dewsbury and Batley and Bradford West. In the North East, West Midlands and in Wales, around nine out of ten constituencies have a child poverty rate higher than one in four. Experts found an 'extremely high' correlation between child poverty and the two-child benefit limit. The End Child Poverty Coalition, which is made up of over 135 organisations including child welfare groups, social justice groups, faith groups, trade unions and others, has today called for the policy to be scrapped in full. It piles more pressure on Mr Starmer, who is facing demands to scrap the Tory-era policy to lift thousands of kids out of poverty. Experts have said ditching the policy, which restricts parents from claiming Universal Credit or Child Tax Credits for any children beyond their first two, would be the most effective way to live around 350,000 kids out of poverty. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, who is co-chairing the government's Child Poverty Taskforce, last month said scrapping the controversial two-child benefit limit is an option "on the table'. The annual analysis by Loughborough University uses DWP figures and looks at poverty rates after housing costs, which is seen as a more accurate assessment of family income. Dan Paskins, of Save the Children and the End Child Poverty Coalition, said: 'Each year this data presents a bleak picture of life for the UK's children. A record number are now in poverty and this is under the noses of our MPs, particularly Cabinet members. 'The time for action is now, and the Comprehensive Spending Review, and forthcoming child poverty strategy should involve bold action." Liv, 21, from Liverpool, who is an End Child Poverty Coalition Ambassador, said: 'Growing up in poverty is relentless, and it's never just about money - it is about isolation, shame, and missed opportunities. 'A proper government strategy on child poverty could give us hope. It shows that our experience is heard, and that there's a commitment to building a fairer society where no child has to grow up feeling less than others just because of their circumstances.' Full list of local authorities' child poverty rates (after housing costs): Region Local authority
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
16 per cent of pupils have skipped school after being 'priced out the system'
Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are being forced to skip school because their parents cannot afford meals, uniforms and trips, according to a new study. The survey, which was commissioned by Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), found that 16% of children of secondary school age have skipped a day of school because they did not have something they needed. This figure increased to 26% for children eligible for free school meals. The Government has been urged to expand the free school meals scheme across England (Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire) The charity is calling for the Government to expand the free school meals scheme to more families across England. The poll of some 1700 school children between the ages of 11 and 18 found that 47% of those who missed days of school did so because they did not have the right uniform. It was also found that 26% had missed school because they did not have enough money to attend school trips. A member of staff at a secondary school in Scotland told researchers: 'We sometimes receive calls to the school to say a certain pupil can't come in today because they maybe only have one uniform and that's in the washing and it's not dry, so they'll be off today.' A secondary school pupil in England said: 'I miss (out on) enrichment week and trips, it's too much (money).' The issue was highlighted by teachers and students (Image: PA) Sainsbury's set to axe three key services in UK stores 'by early summer' UK facing youth unemployment crisis as young people not prepared for work Asda urgently recalls item in which a child could become 'tangled or trapped in' Kate Anstey, head of education at CPAG, said: 'Children in poverty aren't getting the real deal at school because they don't have money to participate – or even get to the school gates. 'From not being able to afford meals or uniform to poor mental health, lack of money at home means young people are missing school – effectively priced out of the system. 'Government must do more to support living standards for families so kids aren't locked out of learning – including scrapping the two-child limit and expanding eligibility for free school meals.' A Government spokesperson said: 'We are determined to reduce child poverty through wide-ranging action as part of our Child Poverty Taskforce, breaking the unfair link between background and opportunity. 'This Government has inherited a system with baked-in inequalities, which we're tackling head-on through our Plan for Change by rolling out free breakfast clubs in every primary, providing mental health support in every school, and investing over £3 billion in Pupil Premium to support those children who need it most. 'Through our Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, we are also changing the law to limit the number of branded items schools can require, which alongside free breakfast clubs could put £500 a year back into working parents' pockets.'
BBC News
27-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Ministers considering scrapping two-child benefit cap
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has said the government is looking at scrapping the two-child benefit cap but warned it would "cost a lot of money". Speaking to the BBC, the minister said the policy - which prevents most families from claiming means-tested benefits for any third or additional children born after April 2017 - had pushed people into she said "seeking to unwind that and to change the social security system is not easy", adding that the price tag would be big. The government is expected to announce its decision on the cap in autumn, when it publishes its child poverty strategy. Phillipson, along with Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, is leading the Child Poverty Taskforce putting together the strategy. It had been due to be published in spring but has now been delayed until the autumn. The taskforce was launched last year, at a time when the government was being urged by the SNP and some Labour MPs to scrap the from Labour backbenchers over the issue - as well as cuts to welfare - have intensified since the Labour's poor performance at the local elections earlier this year. In its manifesto at the 2024 election, Labour said it would get rid of the cap "when fiscal conditions allow". Phillipson told the BBC the taskforce was looking at the cap and "nothing is off the table". She said a Labour government would never have introduced the cap, adding: "Labour governments make different choices, we have different priorities, and you will see that coming through later this year."Although she emphasised the cost of removing the cap would be high, she added that the "cost of inaction" is also incredibly high because this scars the life chances of children in this country". In a speech on Monday, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is expected to promise to abolish the cap if his party gets into government. The Liberal Democrats and the Green Party both committed to getting rid of the cap in their election manifestos. Conservative shadow chancellor Mel Stride defended the policy, which was introduced by his party in 2017."A lot of people up and down the country go through those hard choices and often sacrifices, in order to have a large family," he told the BBC."I don't think it's unreasonable under those circumstances to have a cap at the two-child level for those who would otherwise be relying on benefits for further children."Around 1.6 million children live in a household affected by the cap, according to statistics from the Department of Work and Pensions. Analysis published last year by the Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank found that the average affected households lose around £4,300 per year. It also estimated that removing the cap would cost the government £3.4bn a year.
