Child Poverty Bill offers a historic opportunity to tackle child poverty

18.11.09

Child poverty charities have welcomed the carrying over of the Child Poverty Bill in today’s Queen’s speech.

Kate Green Chief Executive of Child Poverty Action Group said:

“We are delighted the government have carried this bill over and hope that all parties continue their commitment to make its passing a priority in the remainder of the parliamentary term.

This bill offers a historic opportunity to make law a commitment to Ending Child Poverty, but it needs to be more ambitious. A 10% target isn’t good enough, now is the time for the government to be bold in committing to ending all child poverty, not cutting it by two thirds.”

Notes for editors

• Child Poverty Action Group’s manifesto, published in March 2009, can be found at: www.cpag.org.uk/manifesto
• For up-to-date background facts and stats on UK poverty, visit: www.cpag.org.uk/povertyfacts/
• CPAG is the leading charity campaigning for the abolition of child poverty in the UK and for a better deal for low-income families and children.
• CPAG is one of over 150 member organisations of the Campaign to End Child Poverty, campaigning for public and political commitment to ensure the goals of halving child poverty by 2010 and ending child poverty by 2020 are met.

For further information please contact:
Joshua Fenton-Glynn
CPAG Press Officer
Tel. 020 7812 5216 or 07816 909302
jfentonglynn@cpag.org.uk