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Single parent charity calls for action on child poverty and warns about sanctions for parents
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03/03/08 Single Parent family charity One Parent Families|Gingerbread, a member of the Campaign to End Child Poverty, today welcomed the publication of the Work and Pensions Select Committee's report into eradicating child poverty, and called on the Government to use the Budget to set out how it will meet the target to halve child poverty by 2010.
Head of Policy and Research, Kate Bell said:
"1.5 million poor children living in one parent families are relying on the Chancellor to use this Budget to make sure that Government keeps its promise to halve child poverty by 2010. This report confirms that child poverty remains a reality in the UK, that it damages children, and that if the Government is to meet its ambitious target further action is needed."
The Charity also drew attention to the Committee's concerns about the use of punitive sanctions against lone parents who fail to take up jobs. Kate Bell said:
"Government risks shooting itself in the foot with its sanctions policy for lone parents who do not take up jobs. Penalising the poorest parents will do nothing to help them find paid work, and will actually worsen poverty in these families. We urge the Department for Work and Pensions to accept the Committee's recommendation for a review of sanctions."
For further information please contact katebell@oneparentfamilies.org.uk
Notes to editors
1. One Parent Families|Gingerbread, a member of the Campaign to End Child Poverty, is the national organisation campaigning on behalf of the 1.9 million one parent families and 3 million children who live in them today. Free and confidential advice to lone parents is available from the lone parent helpline on 0800 018 5026. Our website is at www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk
2. The Work and Pensions Select Committee's Report, The best start in life? Alleviating deprivation, improving social mobility, and eradicating child poverty is published at 00.01 am on Monday 3 March 2008.
3. The Report states that: "We believe the 2010 target could be met, but only if further investment is forthcoming".
4. The Report also states (recommendation 39): "We are concerned about the impact of the Jobseeker's Allowance sanction regime on children and family poverty. On Income Support the sanction is 20% of personal benefit, while on Jobseeker's Allowance it is up to 100%. DWP needs to review sanctions levels on Jobseeker's Allowance and develop a strategy on sanctions which takes account of the interests of children."
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