The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) said that although Labour has now made a 'substantial reduction' in child poverty, it should have started earlier and proceeded faster. Its report, Child Poverty - An End In Sight?, defines poverty as the condition of households with incomes less than half the national average after housing costs and predicts that more than three million children will remain in poverty when the general election is held.
The report said that the UK has one of the highest rates of child poverty among industrialised countries and it increased more than in almost any country between the early 1980s and the mid-1990s. Around 2.4 million children were found to go without two or more necessities such as a warm, waterproof coat or a properly fitting pair of shoes. One in six families fell into poverty as the result of the birth of a child.
CPAG director Martin Barnes said, 'After a very poor start during its first two years in office, substantial progress in reducing child poverty has been made. The Government has made a bold and necessary commitment to end child and family poverty. But progress should be seen against the horrendously high levels of poverty the Government inherited.
'The record is good, but it could and should have been better. Over three million children will remain in poverty at the election. This is an unacceptable level which all political parties must make a commitment to tackle. There needs to be a greater sense of urgency and outrage. With a radical and sustained agenda, the end of child poverty could be in sight.'
The report is available from CPAG, 94 White Lion Street, London N1 9PY, for 9.95 (plus 2.95 p&p for orders over 10).