A revised strategy to reduce child poverty is to be set out by the Department for Work and Pensions in response to recommendations made by the Govern- ments child poverty tsar, Lisa Harker.
A revised strategy to reduce child poverty is to be set out by the Department for Work and Pensions in response to recommendations made by the Govern- ments child poverty tsar, Lisa Harker.
Speaking at a seminar organised by the National Centre for Social Research in London last week, Ms Harker discussed the key points of the report Delivering on child poverty: What would it take?, published in November.
She said that changing public attitudes was critical if the Government is to meet its 2020 target of eradicating child poverty. There is very little empathy towards the poor. Tackling child poverty is a top priority for the Government, but not for the public. We need to persuade the public that poverty is a problem, which is a job for both politicians and campaign and lobby groups. Meeting longer-term targets requires substantial reform, and public consent is needed to make the changes in expenditure.
The report argues that to meet the 2010 target of halving child poverty, changes must be made to support packages for parents who are looking for work, before and after they find jobs; that post-employment advice is needed to help parents sustain jobs and advance in the workplace; and that a support system is needed to help potential second earners move into employment.
Ms Harker stressed the need for an integrated approach across all Government departments. She said, These changes have to be part of a wider package. There needs to be an alignment of support. For example, making changes to benefits such as council tax credits and housing benefit can make a bigger difference in a shorter period of time.
She added that additional measures are needed in London to address the particularly high levels of child poverty in the capital. The report noted that more than half of children in inner London are living below the poverty line. Ms Harker said, Making progress nationally requires making progress in London.
Speaking at a seminar organised by the National Centre for Social Research in London last week, Ms Harker discussed the key points of the report Delivering on child poverty: What would it take?, published in November.
She said that changing public attitudes was critical if the Government is to meet its 2020 target of eradicating child poverty. There is very little empathy towards the poor. Tackling child poverty is a top priority for the Government, but not for the public. We need to persuade the public that poverty is a problem, which is a job for both politicians and campaign and lobby groups. Meeting longer-term targets requires substantial reform, and public consent is needed to make the changes in expenditure.
The report argues that to meet the 2010 target of halving child poverty, changes must be made to support packages for parents who are looking for work, before and after they find jobs; that post-employment advice is needed to help parents sustain jobs and advance in the workplace; and that a support system is needed to help potential second earners move into employment.
Ms Harker stressed the need for an integrated approach across all Government departments. She said, These changes have to be part of a wider package. There needs to be an alignment of support. For example, making changes to benefits such as council tax credits and housing benefit can make a bigger difference in a shorter period of time.
She added that additional measures are needed in London to address the particularly high levels of child poverty in the capital. The report noted that more than half of children in inner London are living below the poverty line. Ms Harker said, Making progress nationally requires making progress in London.