As promised by Gordon Brown at this year's Labour conference the government will introduce a Child Poverty Bill, which will enshrine in law Labour's commitment to end child poverty by 2020.
Other measures include an Children, Skills and Learning Bill, which will "reform education, training and apprenticeships and promote excellence in all schools", said the Queen. This bill was among a raft of new laws announced in May as part of the government's draft legislative programme and is also set to give parents the right to information about their children's progress in school. All workers will also have a right to ask employers for time off for training as part of this bill.
A Police and Crime Reduction Bill will also be introduced. This was also announced in May as part of the draft legislative programme and is set to include measures to combat underage drinking, although this was not specifically mentioned by the Queen.
A Welfare Reform Bill, which will offer "greater choice for disabled people", will also be introduced. This is also set to force the long term unemployed to take training courses or face benefits cuts.
Clare Tickell, chief executive of Action for Children, welcomed the Children, Skills and Learning Bill, but said: "Children and young people's voices must not be ring-fenced within one Bill, but be at the heart of all of the Bills introduced today. For example, the proposals on welfare reform, equality and local democracy will directly affect vulnerable and marginalised young lives."
Anne Longfield, chief executive of 4Children, said: "It is encouraging that the government is standing by its promise to end child poverty by 2020 through a child poverty bill. What is now needed are specific measures and actions which detail how the governemnt will tackle the complex and difficult challenges of supporting those families most in need - who are also the hardest to reach."
Mark Goldring, chief executive of learning disability charity, Mencap, said: "The announcement of a new carers' provision, which is intended to make the negotiation of flexible working hours easier, is a positive move for families with a disabled child."
