Action on poverty and CSA reform must deliver more money to the poorest children

Responding to the Queen’s Speech, CPAG’s Chief Executive, Kate Green, said:

“The commitment to legislation to reduce poverty is very welcome. But we need far more than the Welfare Reform Bill, which may increase poverty for some through the introduction of new benefit sanctions. To succeed in ending child poverty the Government must now address the income inequalities that means-testing alleviates but doesn’t end.

“People with skills and qualifications get better jobs, so it is excellent news that the Government intends to improve our long neglected Further Education services over the coming year. They must also ensure that a low income is never a barrier to gaining qualifications needed by today’s employers.

“The Bill to reform the CSA will give hope to many families who have been let down by the Agency over many years, losing some of the poorest families badly needed income. The test of the success of the Bill will be if it can quickly start getting money through to children and help lift more of them out of poverty.”

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