© Guardian Newspapers Ltd 1965

History of CPAG

Here are some of the key documents which record the founding and early history of CPAG

Minutes of the first meeting of the Child Poverty Action Group – 5th April 1965

At this meeting it was agreed to draw up "a Memorandum on the subject of family poverty" for use in discussions with the Government. There was also some discussion of the status and future of the group, and possible names for "… a Body which would investigate the problem of poverty and make recommendations on the subject to Government departments".

Press release – 23rd December 1965

A press release announcing Child Poverty Action Group’s intention to present a letter to the Prime Minister urging him to take action to alleviate poverty in families as soon as possible, and announcing a press conference to be held at Toynbee Hall on 23rd December 1965.

Letter to the Prime Minister

A copy of the letter presented to the Prime Minister on 23rd December 1965, which draws attention to family poverty, and urges the Government to take action as soon as possible “to achieve a radical improvement in the standard of living of families in poverty”. A memorandum was attached with two main proposals: “We ask that the present arrangements for family allowances and the allowances for children be reconsidered and revised, and that bigger direct allowances be paid in respect of children in the poorest families.”

Obituary of Harriett C Wilson, founder of CPAG, 1916–2002

This obituary was published in CPAG’s Poverty magazine, issue 113.

How the Child Poverty Action Group came into being

This article by Harriett C Wilson was published in CPAG’s Poverty magazine, issue 113.