CSR and PBR key tests of public trust in Brown’s promise to end child poverty

Commenting ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review and Pre-Budget Report statements on Tuesday 9 October, Child Poverty Action Group’s Chief Executive, Kate Green, said:

“Following the UNICEF report that put Britain in last place for child well-being, ending child poverty is supported across the political spectrum. Gordon Brown’s child poverty promises are a question of trust for British families.

“The historic commitment to end child poverty in 2020 is the most important the Government has made to the British people since taking power. Equally important is reaching the interim target of halving child poverty by 2010.

“With the review covering government spending to 2011, it must ensure that the investment needed to meet the 2010 target for halving child poverty is available. The Institute for Fiscal Studies says it will take a further £4 billion a year. This is a small cost given the benefits to children and the economy, as well as major savings from reduced pressures on public services.”

Alongside the CSR, the Treasury has confirmed plans to under-pin the Child Poverty Public Service Agreement with the publication of a single “Delivery Agreement” document to set out plans for delivering and measuring progress on the 2010 target to halve child poverty.

Kate Green said:

“We look forward to publication of the delivery agreement, but the agreement in itself will not end child poverty if the resources are not provided too.”

Notes for editors

• CPAG is a member of the Campaign to End Child Poverty
• There are currently around 3.8 million children in the UK below the poverty line
• To meet the 2010 target around a million children must be lifted above the poverty line
• The Institute for Fiscal Studies says that increased annual investment of £3.8 billion will give a 50/50 chance of meeting the target
• The TUC estimates that the total cost to the UK resulting from child poverty through reduced productivity, health costs and social costs is £40 billion a year. This is a cost of £640 per head or £2,500 a year for a couple with two children CPAG's Chief Executive, Kate Green OBE, is in attendance at the Labour Party Conference on behalf of CPAG and is available for comment or interview in response the the Prime Minister's comments on children today.

For further information please contact:
Tim Nichols
CPAG Press Officer
Tel. 07816 909302
tnichols@cpag.org.uk