Seminar to address how Child Benefit can help end child poverty

As part of the month of action to end child poverty, the Child Poverty Action Group are today holding a seminar with key stakeholders from the End Child Poverty coalition, academia and government.

On the same day as MPs, including Government Ministers, are taking part in the Campaign to End Child Poverty’s MPs’ Day Out by visiting projects and schools in their constituencies, the seminar will focus on the role of Child Benefit in addressing child poverty.

Kate Green, Chief Executive of CPAG, said:

“There is a growing consensus that its time to rebalance support for children towards child benefit. Compared with means tested support, it is simple, has near full take up and does not discourage second earners in couples into employment.”

Hilary Fisher, Campaign Director of End Child Poverty, said:

“We’ve been delighted by the number of MPs who have agreed to take part in the Day Out for Child Poverty. It’s refreshing to know that these politicians are keen to see for themselves the work that is being done to help prevent and eradicate child poverty and draw attention to the issue.”

People who have pledged their support for CPAG’s ‘Make Child Benefit Count’ campaign on the CPAG website have commented:

“Tax credits are difficult to apply for and you always worry you're going to lose them. Child Benefit is paid into my account every month so there is always something there for the children.” (Mother, London)

“Child benefit reaches the parts that other benefits and credits don't, take-up is virtually 100% and there are no administrative minefields to negotiate.” (Father, Tyne and Wear)

“For low earning, working families like ourselves, Child benefit is essential for paying for things such as baby milk, nappies etc. which we just could not otherwise afford. However, the amount for each child should be the same, as second and subsequent children are no less expensive than the first.” (Mother, St Helens)

For further information please contact:
Tim Nichols
CPAG Press Officer
Tel. 020 7812 5216 or 07816 909302
press@cpag.org.uk