Britain’s child poverty shame must end

Commenting on today’s child poverty figures, which show a rise for a second year running, the Chief Executive of Child Poverty Action Group, Kate Green, said:

“Ministers cannot take a holiday from their promise to end child poverty, or this is what happens. Every year progress must be planned, invested in and achieved. And every year we must act to end the inequality that is blighting Britain and turning us into a divided nation.

“We all know that the 2010 target can be met. We all know that even in tight Budget years, funding for the most important needs can be found. Failure in 2010 would not be due to a lack of national wealth, but a lack of moral leadership.

“This year’s Pre-Budget will be a time for political courage from the Chancellor for poor children. As a member of the Campaign to End Child Poverty, we are calling for the £3 billion investment to be found that would ensure the 2010 target to halve child poverty is met.

“Why should Britain's children suffer more than children in other wealthy countries? We can end our child poverty shame and we must.”

Notes for editors

• CPAG is one of over 100 member organisations of the Campaign to End Child Poverty, campaigning for public and political commitment to ensure the goals of halving child poverty by 2010 and ending child poverty by 2020 are met.

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