Benefit changes ‘could push 600,000 children into poverty’
Over half a million more children will be forced into poverty by 2015 because of Government fiscal policies and tax and benefit changes, according to a report published today by the Office of the Children's Commissioner for England.
It concludes that the least fair aspect of welfare reforms and fiscal measures between 2010 and 2015 is that the poorest children are worst hit.
The report, Child Rights Impact Assessment of Budget Decisions: including the 2013 Budget, and the cumulative impact of tax-benefit reforms and reductions in spending on public services 2010 - 2015 is based on a detailed quantitative analysis of the cumulative effects of cuts in public spending and tax and benefit changes. The work was carried out by expert independent economists.
The report does not mention directly the issue of school food but makes the following points about child poverty:
* Government economic policy will result in 600,000 more children living in poverty by 2015
* The report concludes that the poorest have been hit hardest by the measures since 2010
* The changes to benefits and taxes will have the greatest negative impact on families with children who are losing, on average, £41.07 a week.
* The report believes that the Universal Credit reforms will go some way to “offsetting the negative measures of the government’s fiscal policy”
Maggie Atkinson, Children's Commissioner for England said: "We commissioned a team of experts to analyse the impact of benefit changes and fiscal measures in accordance with my statutory remit to promote and protect children's rights.
“The result is the most comprehensive and accurate analysis we have to date on what exactly is happening to the poorest and some of the most vulnerable members of society.
“It makes uncomfortable reading: they are getting progressively worse off and more children are entering poverty. Ultimately, that means more children going without the basics because their parents and carers cannot afford them."
A full copy of the report can be found here: www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/content/publications/content_676>