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.'
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