JRF report shows culture of inequality must end

Commenting on the report published today by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, ‘Poverty, Inequality and Policy since 1997’, the Chief Executive of Child Poverty Action Group, Kate Green, said:

“The slow progress revealed in the report is the result of a culture of inequality that must no longer be morally acceptable. The same culture permitted the arrogance, greed and casino capitalism which led to our financial crisis.

“The report makes clear that when government has invested in low income families, child poverty decreased. It is time to invest again and to make sure the promise to halve child poverty by 2010 is kept.

“We are the fifth richest country in the world, so the question to ask is not where the money will come from to stop UK poverty, but where all the money is going to. Ending the tax dodges and special treatment given to a low-tax elite is where we should start.

“Now we are in recession, not only is there a greater urgency to act in support of struggling families, but putting money in the hands of the poorest who spend immediately on the things their children need is the best form of fiscal stimulus. With child poverty costing Britain over £25 billion a year, investing in family security is essential to our future economic security.”

Notes for editors

• For up-to-date background facts and stats on UK child poverty and the Government’s targets, visit: http://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:
Tim Nichols
CPAG Press Officer
Tel. 020 7812 5216 or 07816 909302
tnichols@cpag.org.uk