Child Poverty Action Group: Report of the National Equality Panel shows child poverty matters

27.01.10

The report of the National Equality Panel released today (27/01/2010) underlines once more the importance of tackling child poverty in opening opportunity for all. The report found children on free school meals are 28 per cent less likely to attain 5 A*-C GCSEs aged 16 than their better off counterparts. This early disadvantage continues to be an indicator of success in later life.

Commenting on the report, Imran Hussain, Head of Policy for Child Poverty Action Group, said:

"If the Government mantra of opportunity for all is to be taken seriously then it must meet the target to end child poverty by 2020.

"This report shows yet again that poverty is central to educational underachievement. Despite recent talk of the importance of parenting it is clear that money matters.

"Perhaps more striking is evidence that inequality is compounded over the years and has a lasting effect over later life. Those who work in higher managerial and professional roles are four times richer than those working in lower skilled jobs by the time they retire.

"This shows yet again the importance of tackling early disadvantage in giving everyone a fair chance and the detrimental effects of child poverty on life chances and futures."

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