Leading children’s charity welcomes Conservative commitment to tackle child poverty
11.04.05

"But policy content is missing" says CPAG's Chief Executive

Responding to the Conservative Party's General Election Manifesto launch today, Kate Green OBE, the Chief Executive of the Child Poverty Action Group said,

'We welcome the Conservative Party's recognition of the importance of tackling child poverty and are encouraged that it is part of their General Election manifesto.

'But there is a frustrating lack of content on the policy detail – we hope that further announcements will be made.

'The Conservatives pledge to secure pensioner incomes by linking the state pension to wages growth – what about doing the same for child benefits?' Kate Green said.

 

For further information:
Ashley Riley
Press Officer
Tel. 020 7812 5216
Mobile 07811 324339
Email ariley@cpag.org.uk

Notes:

CPAG have published a manifesto 'Ten steps to a society free from child poverty' which calls on all political parties to sign up to 10 demands.

• Download a copy of CPAG's manifesto (205 KB pdf file)
  
  
• Download a leaflet summary of CPAG's manifesto (471 KB pdf file)

CPAG’s ten steps to a society free of child poverty are:

• All political parties to commit to eradicate child poverty.
• Poverty proof policies – make each consistent with eradicating child poverty.
• Uprate the combined value of child tax credit and child benefit at least in line with the fastest growing of prices or earnings. The element of this that is child benefit ought to be maximised.
• Increase the adult payments within income support in line with those for children.
• Reform the administration of tax credits and benefits – ensure they get the right amount to the right people at the right time.
• Ensure all children have full access to the requirements – meals, uniforms and activities – of their education.
• Provide benefit entitlements to all UK residents equally, irrespective of immigration status.
• Work towards better jobs, not just more jobs.
• Introduce free at the point of delivery, good quality universal childcare.
• Reduce the disproportionate burden of taxation on poorer families.