The charity's report, It doesn't happen here: The reality of child poverty in the UK, published last week, calls for 3.8bn to be put towards increasing benefits and tax credits. It also calls on the Government to 'remove barriers to work' by addressing the shortage of 'appropriate and affordable' childcare available to parents.
The report praises Sure Start children's centres and neighbourhood nurseries but says that new research 'raised doubts about the sustainability of such provision, particularly in the poorer communities'.
It goes on, 'The high cost of childcare, especially for families with disabled children or those caring for more than two children, has the effect of either keeping families out of the labour market or leaving them no better off in work.'
The report says the tax credit system had helped many families, but also warned that it may encourage low pay. 'To some extent, the tax credit regime allows employers to pay staff poorly, in the knowledge that the Government will supplement their employees' wages.'
The report also says a UK commission should be set up on ending child poverty and families should be compensated for the loss of free school meals during school holidays.
Kate Green of the Child Poverty Action Group said, 'It is easy for us to share the aspiration to end child poverty, but it's action that matters.
Politicians and the public alike must respond to this report by giving their full commitment to the policies and investment required.'
According to Barnardo's, 3.8 million children in the UK live in poverty and the rate of child poverty is double that of 1979.
The report is available at www. barnardos.org.uk/poverty.htm.