Childhood taskforce to review wide range of children's policies

At a lecture event organised by Barnardo's, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg revealed that the taskforce will be chaired by Prime Minister David Cameron and include senior ministers from across government.

The taskforce will also review access to play facilities and emotional support for families and children in the community as well as the sexualisation of children in marketing.
 
Clegg said: "The role of this group will be to identify and prioritise a small number of specific policy proposals that will make the biggest difference to children and families. A hardcore of everyday bottlenecks that frustrate family life."

Other concerns mentioned by Clegg in his speech included childhood obesity, bullying and mental health problems among young people. A strong focus was the increased role charities and local community groups can play in supporting families.

Harry MacMillan, chief executive of Mend, which runs after-school healthy lifestyle programmes, welcomed the launch of the taskforce.

He said: "For the new government to achieve its vision of all children having a content and carefree childhood, improving the health of our nation's children is vital, with childhood obesity being a top priority."

Jane Stacey, Barnardo's deputy chief executive and UK director of operations, said: "We welcome the Prime Minister's and Deputy Prime Minister's commitment to supporting children and families in this country.

"As money is tight, it is essential that this high-level government taskforce prioritises support for the neediest families."

The taskforce aims to complete its review by the autumn ahead of the next public spending review.